A New Beginning

I am a middle school teacher that wants students to achieve to their potentials AND likes chess. 1+1=2. My 'enlightenment' came when I went to a Pre-AP workshop at UTA in Arlington, Tx hosted by Dr. Joseph Eberhard who is a strong proponent of chess in schools. My colleagues and I in the Social Studies dept. were sold. I contacted my principal about it and she was thrilled that we were going to start a chess club. Since I've never done any of this before and I don't profess to be any expert in chess I was a bit nervous on getting it going. But I read many sites about starting chess clubs and the educational benefits that came along with it such as: logical reasoning, critical thinking, complex decision making, self esteem and on and on. I came to this decision: JUST DO IT! We had our first meeting this week and turnout was about 20 students who can't wait to get started. Their faces said it all. I was excited and they were excited. Anyone who has tips or advice I will be all ears. But until then..A new beginning has begun.