"I have played chess for over 40 years and have been teaching chess since 2003. I am one of only eight people in the country to earn the title of National Chess Coach from the United States Chess Federation.
I've created my own method of teaching chess whereby students of the game learn and advance rapidly, quickly becoming champions of the game. Using my method, results have been achieved by my students who went from absolute beginners to State and National Champions!"
-Charles A. Smith
STUDENT TRACK RECORD
2017 - Alabama High School State Champions and 2nd Place Elementary School Team
2016 - National Scholastic Chess First Place Finisher
2016, 2013, 2011 & 2007- Alabama Middle School State Champion
2015 - Junior High School State Champion
2015 - Alabama High School State Champion
2014 - Alabama Primary Team State Champion
2014, 2013, 2007, 2006, 2005, & 2003- Alabama Primary State Champion
2012 - National Scholastic Chess Champion k-3 section
2012 - Alabama Elementary School State Champion
2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, & 2007 - Alabama Middle School Individual State Champion
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, I have played chess for over 40 years and have been teaching chess since 2003. I've created my own method of teaching chess whereby students of the game learn and advance rapidly, quickly becoming champions of the game.
I offer private lessons and group lessons as well as corporate workshops. Although I'm based in Seattle, I use various means of the latest technology to teach students around the country.
EXPERIENCE
PRIVATE CHESS COACH (Seattle, WA)
2017 - Present
Currently providing group and private lessons in the Greater Seattle, WA area (in person and online instruction).
CHESS COACH, Chessmates Foundation (Seattle, WA)
2017 - Present
Currently providing in-classroom chess instruction at local Seattle elementary school after school programs: TOPS-Seward School, North Beach Elementary School, John Hay Elementary School, Leschi Elementary School, Bailey Gazert Elementary School, and Queen Anne Elementary School
CHESS COACH, Indian Springs High School (Pelham, AL)
2007-2020
Currently coaching the state of Alabama's championship team. Recruited to help the school establish a premiere chess program and teach chess to an international student body. Built the chess program from the ground up; increasing participation in the program from from zero students to over 200. Success of the program recruits students from all over the world.
Accomplishments: Coached the team to win 2016 Alabama State Championship, and place in the 2016 National champions. Produced 2016 National First Place Finisher.
CHESS CONSULTANT, Alabama Chess in Schools(Alabama State-wide)
2016-2017
Served as a consultant to the State of Alabama Department of Education through the Alabama Chess in Schools (ACIS) initiative. Provided chess instruction to teachers throughout the state to enable them to teach their students to play chess. The ACIS Initiative helps teachers create a learning environment to promote chess as an agent that enables students to think critically, take intellectual risks, and strengthen 21st Century Skills necessary to achieve success as lifelong learners in a global society. Learn more about ACIS
CHESS CONSULTANT, Birmingham Board of Education
2005-Present
Provided chess instruction to Birmingham City Schools teachers to enable them to teach their students to play chess; provided consultation to school board on best practices for running the program.
VICE-PRESIDENT, Alabama Chess Federation (Alabama State-wide)
2015-Present
Elected for two consecutive terms to serve the chess community of the state of Alabama.
CHESS COACH, Smith Middle School(Birmingham, AL)
2015-Present
Recruited to help establish a premiere chess program for inner-city at-risk students. Taught chess elective to 250 students.
Accomplishments: Produced 2016 Middle School State Champion first year of the program.
CHESS CONSULTANT, Community Education South (Birmingham, AL)
2008-2015
Provided instruction, lectures and consultation in K-8 chess education.
CHESS COACH, WJ Christian Middle School (Birmingham, AL)
2004-2014
Started chess program with middle schoolers with no chess experience. Taught chess elective to over 300 students and propelled the school to the top junior high school chess team in the state.
Accomplishments: Produced 14 Alabama State Team Champions and 14 Alabama State Individual Champions including the first female and the first female African American to win the state championship in the state’s history.
FOUNDER, Magic City Chess U (Birmingham, AL)
2002-Present
“Changing Lives One Mind at A Time”
Started a chess initiative with the prime objective of teaching students who would not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in chess. Taught chess in over 20 Birmingham schools - elementary, middle and high school.
Accomplishments: Produced 2003 K-3 Alabama State Champion. Produced 9 Alabama State Champions and one K-5 National State Champion (2012).
COMMUNITY SERVICE
2012-Present— Chess Lessons, Trussville Public Library
2005-Present— Chess Lessons, Downtown Birmingham Public Library
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2011- City of Birmingham “Hidden Hero” Award Recipient
2010- Birmingham NAACP Community Service Award Recipient
1994- Washington D.C. Amateur Champion and 30-minute Champion in same year!