New Hampshire Teachers Earn First Chess in Education Certifications offered in the US.
The eleven teachers were members of the first cohort of educators to be trained under the state’s Granite Gambit program. The certification is sanctioned by the US-based Chess in Schools and the European Chess Union, an international leader in the Chess in Education movement. The four-day course CIE Instructor Training – Level 1 Certification is designed by Chess in Schools. The class draws upon work and products developed by CIE Coalition participants ChessPlus, ChessKid and Chess in Schools.
In a survey taken after the class ended, participating teachers unanimously praised the program. Here are just a few quotes by teachers:
Quotes from Participants
The Granite Gambit training was remarkable. I have taught chess before, and I do wish I had these instructional techniques before. The mini games were eye-opening. These quick, high-interest, scalable exercises made teaching chess fun and functional. Students from all skill levels gain competency, confidence and critical thinking skills from these quick paced games. The application of these games cuts across so many content/competencies. The entire training was so valuable.
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This course made me feel more confident as a chess player while simultaneously giving me strategies and vocabulary to teach my students. As the 4 days continued, I found countless applications to my classroom and the standards I teach. I was excited to bring the chess connections back into my classroom and the students were engaged and enthusiastic. I can’t wait to continue to use what I learned with my students.
-Sara Ogden
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The teaching sequences modeled in the course can be pretty much used as-is, with some pacing considerations, for even my youngest and most novice students.
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I am excited to share these resources with our faculty and students! The curricular connections and solid pedagogical background of Chess in Schools gives me a strong foundation for teaching beginner lessons and teaching the faculty and staff how to implement the program in their classrooms. Jerry Nash taught these lessons through humor and a firm understanding for the deeper thinking skills achieved through learning this game. I wondered if I would only gain knowledge on making better chess players. I leave with skills to be a more creative and empathetic teacher.
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It was even better than I thought it would be.
-Gene Tappen, Retired Teacher; Chess Coach; Board Member – NH Chess Association
