Wizard of the Month Spotlight - November 2025 - Shayne Niroomand

Our employee of the month is Shayne Niroomand from Colorado!

Shayne has an infectious passion for chess and is loved by both his students and the staff at the schools he teaches at.  "Is Shayne coming back?" is a very common question we get when preparing for a new term. His students are always having a blast and learning so much in his classes.

Shayne, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!

To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.

 

Cheсk out our interview with Shayne below:

 

1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going? 

My name is Shayne Niroomand.

I come from Newbury Park, California and I currently call Denver, Colorado my home. As for where I’m going, I’m unsure what the future holds… but I’m definitely going to Taco Bell for Lunch 

 

2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?

I’m just about to hit my third year of teaching this January! 

 

3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching? 

Patience is a virtue with teaching.

Every student learns differently, and sometimes the best move is to slow down and listen. That applies both on and off the chessboard.

 

4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess? 

Recently, Denver hosted its first-ever Chess Wizards Youth Tournament, and I was thrilled to be part of it! Several of my students took home trophies and I think they plan to bring back some more on our second upcoming tournament.

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

I love using technology like Chess Compass, Lichess’ Lessons, and even Duolingo to keep things fun. When learning is fun, improvement follows naturally. Engagement is also key, I’ll say things like, “Raise your hand if you think you can solve this checkmate!” and watch the energy in the room light up.

 

6.  If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?

I truly would still want to teach chess. I'd spend the remainder of my free time playing other games like Super Smash Brothers, Old-school Runescape, and Magic the Gathering with my friends.

I’d also like to travel the world with my amazing girlfriend and take photos on my father’s Nikon Camera.

 

7.  What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’? 

I find that talking one-on-one works wonders. Usually, a “handful” student is just having a tough day and needs someone to listen.

                                                                                                                                     

8. What is an unusual place you have been to? 

I spent a month abroad in Costa Rica - it was a ton of fun! At one point I got bit by a raccoon on a beach there. I’ve also been to Pura Vida.

 

9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about? 

I can identify most birds by sight or call (Shout-out the boardgame Wingspan for helping keep my skills sharp)

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?  

Trivia Contests! My favorite way to review previous lessons in a fun and high energy way.

 

11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards? 

I also work in the music industry on weekends at iconic venues like Red Rocks as a production assistant. I’ve seen some legendary shows and miraculously, I’ve kept most of my hearing.

                                                                                                                                                                        

12.  If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win? 

If it was Chess Boxing my money would be on the Kangaroo! 

 

13.  Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame? 

Curveball: Lord of the Rings! Fantasy beats sci-fi every time.

                                         

14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards? 

Chess Wizards has given me the chance to keep inspiring and connecting with incredible students. I’m forever grateful to Chess Wizards for allowing me to be a part of their team and I’m honored to share chess with the next generation.