Woman Candidate Master Jessica Callender is in the Bahamas co-lecturing a Preparation of Teachers course under the supervision of South African WIM Anzel Laubscher, a representative of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess in Education Commission.
Callender’s work in the Bahamas this past week certified instructors to implement chess as an educational tool in schools. Chess can be implemented as a stand-alone subject or integrated into other subjects as exercises, investigations, and chess-related activities. Game-based education engages students and improves the quality of the learning experience. Motivated students thus gain skills for success in and beyond the classroom. This is the focus of FIDE’s Chess in Education Commission.
Callender’s visit to the Bahamas from June 10th to 12th was only one stage in obtaining her Senior Lead Instructor Certification, the highest level of the Chess in Education certifications offered by FIDE. She took the first step by earning her school instructor title in 2022. This was followed by taking the Lead School Instructor course for the second highest tier title offered in Chess in Education. This title is held by Guyanese chess officials Marcia Lee, Anthony Drayton, and Aniyah Couchman. After this, Callender underwent further training by the FIDE Chess in Education Commission and submitted a portfolio for evaluation.
There are only seven certified Senior Lead Instructors worldwide who are authorized to conduct the FIDE Preparation of Teachers courses for certified School Instructors. These educators are also instrumental in promoting these vital courses to national federations and other key stakeholders, significantly expanding the global reach of chess education.
The FIDE Chess in Education Commission is dedicated to significantly increasing the global impact of chess in educational settings. Recognizing that children thrive through play-based learning, chess is leveraged as a powerful educational tool. It not only fosters the development of intellectual abilities but also cultivates essential 21st-century skills in students.
Callender consistently makes significant contributions to the advancement of chess in Guyana. She contributes as a National Arbiter and chess coach, and also volunteers her time with chess in Special Needs Schools. Furthermore, Callender has been a stalwart member of the Guyana National team since 2022 and is a distinguished two-time former National Women’s Chess Champion. She commented that the skills she gained at the lecture will allow her to better support our teachers and coaches, which ultimately means more young Guyanese will have access to meaningful, structured chess education. “When we bring chess into classrooms, we’re not just teaching a game, we are also
empowering children with critical thinking, focus, and resilience that will serve them both on and off the board,” she said.
Guyana has made significant strides in its existing Chess in Education program, which was boosted when Jerry Nash, Chairman of the Chess in Education commission, visited Guyana in late 2023, offering School Instructor certification to teachers and members of the chess federation.
The Guyana Chess Federation is confident that with Callender’s continued dedication to the development of chess and her consistent hard work, she will soon earn her prestigious Senior Lead Instructor title as she continues the process.
