K-3 Chess Assistant

Salary Range

$62,500 - $66,500. Placement in the range is commensurate with experience.

Exemption Status: Exempt

The Dalton School, a progressive K-12 gender-inclusive school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is consistently recognized as one of the preeminent independent day schools in the nation. Known for its child-centered approach and an exceptional, inspiring faculty, Dalton enrolls over 1,300 students with approximately 350 faculty and staff. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the foundation of a Dalton education, our faculty meets each student’s evolving needs, interests, and abilities. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the broader community.

We are in search of a dynamic, innovative, and dedicated full-time Chess Assistant to join our esteemed Chess Program for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. This position reports to and works with the Chess Program Director, contributing to an inclusive chess environment. We are looking for a candidate who possesses creative problem-solving skills, a sense of humor, and strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with colleagues and students alike. This is a full-time, 10-month position (September – June).

Responsibilities

• Assist the chess teacher in implementing engaging lessons based on the Dalton chess curriculum for students in Grades K-2.
• Take the lead in teaching chess classes when the head teacher is away.
• Ensure that students develop good study habits and learn to be effective team members.
• Work closely with individual and small groups of students with advanced chess knowledge, conducting three chess labs per week for selected/interested students in grades K-3.
• Facilitate early morning chess clubs five times per week (Hours: 7:30 AM – 8:10 AM).
• Provide valuable support to the chess teacher in writing student narrative reports.
• Prepare student observations for the reports, including narrative descriptions of students' achievements and areas for growth.
• Assist in managing and maintaining the care of chess equipment.
• Engage respectfully with children and their families, demonstrating sensitivity to various cultures, values, configurations, and beliefs.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chess Program Director.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• We are seeking a dynamic individual with a strong foundation in chess and a commitment to excellence in education. The ideal candidate should possess the following:
• An active player with an over-the-board US Chess rating of 2000+ is preferred.
• Solid understanding of child development, incorporating best practices, and current trends in elementary education.
• Demonstrated classroom management skills, showcasing proficiency in time management, and organization of classroom space and materials for optimal learning outcomes.
• Engage in developmentally and age-appropriate interactions, providing constructive feedback, and positive conduct with students.
• Experience with differentiating instruction.
• Capable of developing high-quality instructional materials.
• Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, executive functioning, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with integrating technology effectively into classroom instruction to enhance student learning experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple responsibilities with ease.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Over 3 years of experience in teaching and/or assisting with chess in the United States.
• A proven track record in tournament play.
• Possession of recognized chess titles and certifications.

The Dalton School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law in the administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.

Application Instructions

Candidates must be authorized to work in the US without needing sponsorship. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to the employment portal using the following link - https://www.dalton.org/employment [https://www.dalton.org/employment]