Sharon Ellen Burtman, our esteemed Chess Explorers Instructor, boasts an impressive chess pedigree as the 1995 US Women’s Chess Champion and holds over 30 years of experience in chess teaching. Sharon is a sought-after keynote speaker at renowned chess expos and events.

A scholar-athlete, Sharon attended Rhode Island College on a full chess and academic scholarship. Her remarkable journey includes competing in a record 13 consecutive United States Women’s Chess Championships and representing the United States twice in the Interzonals (Women’s World Chess Championships).

Sharon’s chess lessons go beyond the chessboard; they are life lessons. She adeptly employs the game to instill qualities such as logic, creativity, focus, and discipline in her students. In every class and workshop, Sharon ensures that each child walks away with a positive learning experience. The pace of her classes is deliberately relaxed, allowing ample time for creative free-play and, of course, lots of smiles. Sharon brings unparalleled expertise and a contagious enthusiasm for chess to Beacon Montessori, enriching the learning journey of every child.