Our employee of the month is Jacob Brooks from Colorado.
Jacob has been working with Chess Wizards for over 5 years and is a member of the WITS team, managing our Colorado and Utah Wizards. He has a fantastic work ethic and truly cares about the success of every one of his students and instructors.
Jacob, 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.
Chek out our interview with Jacob below:
1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going?
My name is Jacob Brooks and I come from a heavy computer, cybersecurity and musical background. I’ve been playing Chess since I was 3 years old and have been teaching music and Chess since I was 16. I am currently 29 and own multiple businesses in the tech/AI industry.
2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards?
I have been teaching with Chess Wizards for over 5 years now.
3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching?
A teacher's ability to be adaptable and flexible according to their students is absolutely critical. Every student is different and you must cater your lesson plans to that of the student’s skill level in order for them to be most successful.
4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?
The most exciting experience has been to watch specific students grow and excel in their chess knowledge and skill. I’ve had students where they knew nothing about chess and after teaching them the tricks of the trade over multiple sessions, they have been able to beat me.
5. How do you motivate your students to succeed?
I provide them with an example of what it looks like to succeed or to win any game. I also give them incentives such as giving them a reward for figuring out a chess puzzle or complimenting them.
6. If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?
I would contribute my time to data analysis to enable AI to automate everyday tasks.
7. What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’?
Patience, positive reinforcement and respect. I always encourage my students.
8. What is an unusual place you have been to?
Inside abandoned gold mines and mills.
9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about?
I can blow bubbles off my tongue.
10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?
Be flexible and always be respectful to your students and they will reciprocate that behavior.
11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?
Computers, tech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, music
12. If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win?
I would laugh and sit down next to them to watch the outcome of the game. Definitely the chimpanzee since it has more human like features.
13. Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame?
Star Wars is definitely more entertaining.
14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards?
The flexibility and being able to have fun by teaching and playing Chess.
