Investing in our next generation by breaking learning barriers as we rebuild our education system. Starting with teaching kids to play chess.

As we navigate the next wave of skills and opportunities, I often wonder what classes and activities from our traditional education system will be left in the past and what will be both adopted and necessary in the future?

Also as an unorthodox executive with no formal teaching certifications or career path, but an outsider who is deeply passionate about introducing new approaches to learning, where do I begin to navigate these challenges? and how can I participate in addressing these issues to help rebuild our education system to save our next generation from problems we experienced in an outdated learning system?

I read an article about the teacher shortage at many of the local schools and the challenges with engaging the post pandemic generation. I thought what better place to intersect than revisiting a 1600 year old game of Chess?

I’ve played Chess my whole life and will argue that this has been one of the single most valuable activities I learned in my entire educational experience.

Specifically the ability to analyze ones psychological decision making through Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats is the single most useful skill you can practice to prepare yourself for any situation. In many occasions it opened doors that others may not have noticed and an opportunity to advance where others were limited.

In 2022, I started teaching Chess class at a local private school, whilst learning and experimenting with developing my own curriculum. I started with 2 classes, Beginner and Advanced capped at 14 students each and after completing the season started expanding to other local schools.

Dressed in my Wizard outfit, I completed 5 semesters of teaching and graduated a total of 100+ kids, now expanding to 11 school with 10 instructors in the Austin Independent School District now. Kids also received Chess trophies at the end of the semester.

I’m excited to continue developing this and other programs in the future as I feel this activity has unlocked many neural pathways, career opportunities and allowed me to gain a competitive advantage against all odds.

We would like to raise funds to have our own permanent institution for kids and instructors inviting everyone to contribute to a Happier, Healthier, Fun, Strategic future.

If you would like to support our next generation youth or interested in enrolling your kids in upcoming classes, private 1-1 tutoring or summer camps or donating to our campaign, please contact me and stay tuned for more updates. Thanks in advance. tinyhackerhouse@gmail.com