yes for chess·Palo Alto, California
Teach engaging after-school chess classes to elementary students while maintaining a fun and structured classroom environment. Build positive relationships with students, families, and school staff while arriving prepared and on time for all sessions.
After-School Chess Instructor | Starts September Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions may be filled before August.
Job Title: Chess Instructor (After-school Program) Location: Palo Alto / Sunnyvale, CA Job Type: Part-Time | In-Person Pay: $27.00–$29.00 per hour Join a Growing Team This Fall Join one of the Bay Area's longest-running after-school chess programs.
For over 18 years, Yes For Chess has helped thousands of elementary students discover chess through fun, engaging instruction.
We're hiring now for our Fall 2026 school programs and are looking for a dependable instructor who wants meaningful work, enjoys working with children, and is interested in growing with our organization.
Hiring Timeline We're hiring ahead of the school year so you'll have plenty of time to prepare for success.
Apply Now (applications are reviewed as they come in) Interviews: July-August Paid Training: August Teaching Begins: September Our onboarding process is designed to help new instructors feel confident before leading their first class.
We're seeking an instructor who lives in or near Palo Alto or Sunnyvale to teach after-school chess classes at local elementary schools. Successful instructors are recognized for their reliability and performance through opportunities for hourly pay increases and involvement in special events, tournament support, and other program initiatives when available. Whether you're an educator, a college student, or someone looking for rewarding work with children, we'd love to hear from you. Primary Teaching Areas We're especially interested in candidates who live near: Palo Alto Sunnyvale Mountain View Menlo Park Santa Clara East Palo Alto Redwood City Primary teaching assignments will be in: Palo Alto Sunnyvale Santa Clara Occasional substitute or coverage opportunities may be available in nearby communities, including San Jose, San Bruno, and San Francisco. Because instructors travel between schools, reliable transportation and proximity to the area are important. Schedule Up to 5 afternoons per week to start Classes typically begin between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM Most shifts run approximately 90 minutes Designed to grow into more hours over time What You'll Do Teach engaging after-school chess classes for elementary students Create a fun, encouraging, and structured classroom environment Build positive relationships with students, school staff, and families Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to lead each class Communicate professionally with the Yes For Chess team Occasionally provide coverage at nearby schools when needed What We're Looking For You don't need to be a chess master. We're looking for someone who is: Reliable, punctual, and professional Great with elementary-age children Friendly, patient, and energetic Comfortable managing a classroom independently Organized and communicative Able to travel between nearby schools using reliable transportation Successful completion of a background check prior to employment Previous teaching, coaching, tutoring, camp, or childcare experience is highly valued.
Why Join Yes For Chess? We're building a team, not just filling shifts. Our instructors receive: Paid training + mileage reimbursement Ongoing coaching and support Competitive hourly pay ($27–$29/hour) Consistent afternoon scheduling Opportunities to take on additional classes and increase weekly hours The Ideal Candidate The strongest candidates are dependable professionals who enjoy working with children, communicate well, and are looking for a long-term opportunity with an organization that values reliability, growth, and community. If you're excited to make a positive impact in local schools while joining a supportive and growing team, we'd love to hear from you.
Candidates must be reliable, punctual, and comfortable managing a classroom independently. Previous experience in teaching, coaching, tutoring, or childcare is highly valued, and reliable transportation is required for travel between school sites.
Market context
In California, support roles that work with children often draw steady interest because schools and programs need staff who can help maintain safe, inclusive environments. These roles can be competitive when candidates already have CPR, First Aid, and child abuse prevention training, plus experience working with diverse groups of children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications are current before applying.