About Maven TechLab

Maven TechLab is a Vancouver-based education company delivering hands-on STEM, coding, robotics, AI exploration, maker, creative arts, and enrichment programs for children ages 5–13.

We partner with schools and community organizations across Vancouver to provide after-school programs and seasonal camps during Winter, Spring, and Summer.

Our programs focus on helping children develop curiosity, creativity, problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and confidence through engaging hands-on learning experiences.

Position Overview

Maven TechLab is developing a new Chess, Math & Logic program, and we are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor to help bring it to life.

This is not intended to be simply a traditional chess class.

Our goal is to use chess as a platform for developing strategic thinking, mathematical reasoning, pattern recognition, problem-solving, logic, planning, and decision-making skills.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, understands chess beyond the basic rules, and can explain strategies and concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute ideas to the development of our chess curriculum and help connect chess concepts with math, logic puzzles, and problem-solving activities.

Responsibilities

- Teach engaging after-school chess classes and chess clubs for children, primarily ages 6–13
- Introduce beginner and intermediate students to chess rules, piece movement, notation, tactics, strategy, and game play
- Teach students how to analyze positions, consider alternatives, plan ahead, and make thoughtful decisions
- Incorporate math, logic, and problem-solving activities into chess instruction
- Use puzzles, challenges, mini-games, and guided play to reinforce learning
- Help students develop pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, concentration, and strategic thinking
- Guide students through concepts such as piece value, board coordinates, ranks, files, diagonals, sequences, and logical deduction
- Analyze student games and provide age-appropriate feedback
- Organize friendly matches, challenges, and in-class tournaments
- Adapt activities for students with different levels of chess experience
- Help design and develop age-appropriate Chess, Math & Logic curriculum and lesson plans
- Prepare lesson materials, demonstrations, puzzles, and activities
- Maintain a positive, supportive, inclusive,



and respectful classroom environment
- Manage classroom behaviour and encourage good sportsmanship
- Set up and properly store chess sets, clocks, teaching materials, and other equipment
- Communicate professionally with students, parents, school staff, and the Maven TechLab team
- Maintain punctuality and preparedness for all scheduled programs

What We're Looking For We are looking for someone who can do more than play chess well.

A strong candidate should be able to take a chess concept and explain it in a way that makes sense — and feels exciting — to a 7-, 8-, or 10-year-old student.

You should enjoy asking questions such as:

“What do you think your opponent might do next?”

“How many possible moves can we find?”

“What pattern do you notice?”

“If we make this move, what could happen two moves later?”

We want students to learn how to think, not simply memorize chess openings or moves.

Qualifications

- Strong knowledge of chess rules, tactics, strategy, and game play
- Comfortable teaching beginner and intermediate chess
- Experience teaching, coaching, mentoring, tutoring, or working with children
- Strong communication skills and ability to explain concepts clearly to young learners
- Good classroom and group-management skills
- Interest in mathematics, logic, puzzles, problem-solving, or strategy games
- Patient, energetic, encouraging, and comfortable leading groups of children
- Reliable, punctual, organized, and professional
- Able to travel to school and program locations within Vancouver
- Fluent in English with the ability to engage students effectively
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check required

Robust Assets The following are considered assets but are not required:
- Previous experience teaching chess to children
- Competitive or tournament chess experience
- CFC, FIDE, Chess.com, Lichess, or other recognized chess rating/history
- Experience coaching students for chess tournaments
- Background in mathematics, computer science, engineering, education, psychology, or another analytical field
- Experience teaching math, logic, coding,



STEM, or problem-solving programs
- Experience designing children's curriculum or lesson plans
- Knowledge of chess teaching software, digital chess platforms, or interactive chess resources
- Experience organizing chess clubs, tournaments, or school competitions
- Degree or diploma in Education, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related area
- Access to a vehicle for travelling between program locations

Formal chess titles or certifications are welcome but are not required. We value the ability to teach and connect with children just as much as competitive chess strength.

Program Approach

Maven's Chess, Math & Logic program will combine traditional chess instruction with activities that develop broader thinking skills.

Lessons may explore concepts such as:

- Pattern recognition
- Strategic planning
- Logical deduction
- Cause and effect
- Spatial reasoning
- Chessboard coordinates
- Mental calculation and piece values
- Sequencing
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Chess puzzles and tactical challenges
- Sportsmanship and learning from mistakes

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to contribute ideas and help shape this growing program.

Schedule

- Part-time
- Primarily weekday afternoons
- After-school programs generally run between approximately 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Additional opportunities may be available during Winter, Spring, and Summer camps
- Hours will vary depending on school partnerships and program schedules

After-school teaching sessions are typically 90 minutes, with additional time allocated for setup, preparation, cleanup, and program administration.

Job Type

- Part-time
- Seasonal / Fixed-term
- Opportunities for additional hours as Maven TechLab's chess programs expand

Compensation $22–$28 per hour, depending on chess experience, teaching experience, qualifications, and curriculum-development ability.

What We Offer

- Curriculum and teaching support
- Chess equipment and classroom materials
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of a current Maven TechLab program
- Opportunities for additional teaching hours through after-school programs and seasonal camps
- Opportunity to coach future school chess clubs and competition teams
- Casual dress
- In office parking at select locations

Pay: $23.00-$28.00 per hour

Benefits

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Work Location: In person

📌 Chess Instructor – Part-Time (Vancouver)
🏢 Maven TechLab
📍 Vancouver