The Chess Educator – Mauro Mazzarella (Italy)

Throughout the years, we have met many educators from all over the world in our Training Courses and Discussion Group Meetings who are doing a great job with Chess in Education. We want to introduce their unique perspectives and share their stories that might be of interest and inspiration to others.

My name is Mauro Mazzarella, and I teach chess through homeschooling. Working one-to-one allows me to truly focus better on each student and their individual needs. I teach both children and adults who are new to chess or eager to begin this wonderful journey. I’m also a member of Palermo Scacchi, probably the best chess club in Italy. 🙂

I hold a Master’s degree in International Relations, and I have gained various experiences in international cooperation in Hungary, Romania, and Russia. Through these experiences, I learned that there are countless ways of seeing the world, and that you can learn something valuable from anyone, no matter their background. Chess perfectly represents this idea: every game offers a new perspective and a new lesson, especially when you lose.

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How did you first become interested in chess?

My father taught me chess when I was a child, and I always saw it as a magical game. But many years passed before I played my first tournament! Once I started attending my chess club (Palermo Scacchi), I began to deepen my chess knowledge and expand my technical skills.

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What is the most valuable life lesson chess has taught you personally?

Chess has taught me that every mistake, every loss, and every difficult position is simply an opportunity to start fresh in the next game. The way we play often reflects who we are and who we’re striving to become. What matters is being aware of our choices and understanding where they might lead.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that chess is just a game. Beautiful, fascinating and inviting us to experiment, but still a game. It gives us the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, something life doesn’t always offer so generously.

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How did your journey as a chess educator begin? What key moments shaped it?

My journey as a chess educator began recently, in May of this year, when I completed a chess instructor course recommended by one of my own instructors. While I already had experience as a player, I had never taught before, so I seized the opportunity.

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What inspired you to use chess as an educational tool?

How do you keep your teaching fresh, relevant, and inspiring?

By studying chess every day, attending training courses for chess teachers (such as those offered by the ECU), and constantly exchanging ideas with others.

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How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

I believe anyone, young or old, can succeed in chess. The keys are: enjoying the game, being patient, and having the courage to challenge yourself.

To truly engage your students, you must be able to transmit your passion for the game.

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What teaching qualities or approaches do you believe are most essential for educators today to truly engage and support their students?

It’s essential to truly understand your student and engage with them not only during lessons but also beyond them. Teaching chess isn’t just about the game itself; it’s also about trying to convey something more and passing on important life lessons, like accepting defeat and not pursuing victory at all costs.

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What values do you hope to pass on to the next generation through your work?

I believe that any work carried out with dignity can send a positive message. Teaching chess gives us the opportunity to share with new generations a vision of life that is not obsessed with perfection but focused on self-discovery, the continuous search for self.