Chess in Education Commission - FIDE

22/06/2026

18/06/2026

The 38th edition of the FIDE EDU Preparation of Teachers Course, held this weekend, concluded with an outstanding level of participation and engagement, attracting a full house of educators from around the world who are committed to bringing chess into educational settings.

Throughout the course, participants explored key principles of chess pedagogy, classroom management, lesson planning, and effective methods for introducing chess to children of different ages and learning abilities. The highly interactive format encouraged discussion, collaboration, and reflection, allowing teachers to share experiences and learn from one another. The reflections offered valuable insights into how the course was perceived and what elements resonated most strongly with attendees.

Participants’ Reflections

🟥 Stop

* Rushing the learning process.
* Starting lessons immediately with pawn movement.
* Moving through content too quickly for slower learners.

🟨 Keep

* Teaching in simple and accessible language.
* Providing detailed explanations and practical examples.
* Maintaining a learner-centered approach that accommodates different learning speeds.
* Continuing to teach about the chessboard and fundamental concepts thoroughly.

🟩 Start

* Beginning instruction at the pace of the slowest learner to ensure no participant is left behind.
* Structuring lessons around understanding the board before moving to piece movement.

The reflections reveal a clear consensus among participants: effective chess education is built on patience, clarity, and inclusivity. Many emphasized the importance of establishing a strong foundation before progressing to piece movement, while also highlighting the value of adapting instruction to the needs of every learner.

The feedback from participants truly reflects the success of this edition:

💬 “The course was extremely interesting, dynamic, and packed with valuable information.”

💬 “We truly appreciate the time, effort, and guidance you provided to all of us.”

💬 “We hope to become part of the FIDE EDU family, to bring joy to our children, to grow together with them, and to never stop learning ourselves.”

💬 “Thanks to our mentors who have taken the pain in educating us and the flamboyance of energy in explaining the facts.”

💬 “Thank you for all the support throughout the learning journey.”

With another successful edition completed, the FIDE EDU Preparation of Teachers Course continues to strengthen a growing global community of chess educators dedicated to using chess as a powerful educational tool. The enthusiastic participation, thoughtful reflections, and heartfelt testimonials from this full-house event underscore the increasing demand for high-quality teacher training and the shared commitment to making chess education accessible, engaging, and effective for every learner. ♟️🎓

FIDE - International Chess Federation
Dana Reizniece

17/06/2026

🎓♟️ Some more Highlights from the FIDE Preparation of Teachers (POT) Course in Syria 🇸🇾

Every photo tells a story of learning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation through chess.♟️📚🎓

17/06/2026

🌍♟️ Empowering Educators Through Chess: FIDE Chess Beach Retreat for Teachers 2026 ♟️🌴

The FIDE Chess in Education Commission is delighted to support initiatives that strengthen the role of chess in education worldwide.

Join the FIDE Chess Beach Retreat for Teachers, a unique professional development experience designed for educators, coaches, and chess enthusiasts who are passionate about using chess as a powerful educational tool.

📅 Dates: 23–26 July 2026
📍 Venue: Sugar Bay Resort, East Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
🎓 Course: Preparation of Teachers Course – FIDE Schools Instructor titled course
👩‍🏫 Presented by: WIM Anzel Laubscher, FIDE Senior Lead Instructor and member of the FIDE Chess in Education & International Advisory Board.

Participants will explore innovative and creative methods to integrate chess into education, helping learners develop essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making.

What to expect:

✅ Practical chess-in-education strategies
✅ Curriculum integration and lesson ideas
✅ Skill development for learners
✅ Networking with fellow educators
✅ Relaxation, collaboration, and team building in a beautiful coastal setting

The retreat package includes:
🏨 Three nights’ accommodation at Sugar Bay Resort
🍽️ All meals
📚 Full course participation and certification opportunities

This retreat offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and inspire while enjoying the scenic South African coastline.

Build skills. Share ideas. Enjoy the coast. Inspire your learners.

For registration and enquiries:
📧 [email protected]

15/06/2026

Experts say the game is helping children solve problems, forge friendships and build confidence.

14/06/2026

♟️ Chess is proving to be more than just a game for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Twenty-two teachers and students from four SEND schools gathered at the David Rose Special School for a mini chess tournament hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s SEND Department.

The event highlighted how chess strengthens concentration, problem-solving, communication, and confidence while creating opportunities for meaningful social interaction. 🧩✨

13/06/2026

♟️ A wonderful school visit in Marrakech!

Rita Atkins (Secretary, FIDE EDU) and Brian Callaghan (former organiser of the Gibraltar Opens and patron of educational chess at Ella Maillart) had the pleasure of observing a chess lesson at Groupe Scolaire Ella Maillart, a private school in the Massira area of Marrakech offering nursery and primary education, led by Principal Mrs Aich Amina.

The lesson was taught by Ms Lamyaa Berri, FIDE Senior Lead Instructor candidate, who guided a class of 9-year-olds through the ways of escaping checkmate and the art of castling — taught with real warmth and clarity.

Ms Berri shared a little about her journey into chess education: discovering the game through her university chess club seven years ago, and then having her perspective transformed by the FIDE Preparation of Teachers Course — realising chess in schools isn't about winners and losers, but a powerful tool for building cognitive and social-emotional skills. As a PhD researcher in Mathematics Education, she has since developed a teaching approach using storytelling, mini-games, and giant chessboards, with transformative results — from helping students with ADHD build focus, to achieving the integration of chess into the official curriculum at a Moroccan school.

A real pleasure to see this work in action — congratulations to Ms Berri, Principal Mrs Aich Amina, and the whole Ella Maillart community! ♟️🇲🇦

08/06/2026

🎓 The wonderful PoT training course for women in Arabic has now come to an end.

This edition was truly unique and unlike any previous one, as it was designed exclusively for women, reflecting our strong belief in the vital role women play in shaping society and creating positive change through education.

A total of 27 women participated in the course, and we are proud to announce that 25 of them successfully became certified instructors. ♟️ They are now qualified to earn the FIDE title of School Instructor, enabling them to use chess as a powerful educational tool to develop children’s skills in schools across the Arab world.

It was also our great pleasure and honor to welcome Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Women’s Commission, to the closing ceremony. She congratulated the participants on their achievement and encouraged them to continue their journey toward making children’s lives better through chess and education.

Furthermore, she reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Arab women in the coming period and promised to continue organizing additional training programs and educational opportunities in cooperation with the FIDE Chess in Education Commission. 🤝 This ongoing support will help empower more women to become leaders in chess education and expand the positive impact of chess on children and communities throughout the Arab world.

FIDE - International Chess Federation
Dana Reizniece