A Chess Teacher’s Journey: From the White House to the South Bronx
A Chance Discovery Led to a New Career Path
David MacEnulty, a local writer, has published a new memoir, "Sunrise in the Bronx: Chess and Life Lessons from the South Bronx to the White House." In this book, MacEnulty shares his journey as a chess teacher and the impact it had on his students’ lives.
From Acting to Chess Teaching
MacEnulty’s journey on the stage began with an unexpected audition at Florida State University. As a philosophy major, he discovered a love for acting and went on to have roles on stage and screen. However, his focus shifted to writing after starting a project on street crime in 1970s and 80s New York City.
From Real Estate to Chess Teaching
After working in real estate and building management, a friend and chess master, Bruce Pandolfini, asked MacEnulty to sub in for a day teaching chess to third graders. Although MacEnulty was not a master-level chess player at the time, he took the challenge and eventually left his building management job to teach at Bronx and Harlem schools. He eventually became a full-time chess teacher at Community Elementary School 70 (C.E.S. 70) in the South Bronx.
The Challenges of Teaching
As a white teacher in a predominantly Black and brown school, MacEnulty faced numerous challenges. He struggled with behavior management and explaining the fundamentals of chess to students who had never heard of the game. "I was horrible," he recalls. "The kids were just eating me alive."
Turning Points in His Teaching Career
However, with the support of C.E.S. 70 principal Sylvia Simon and veteran teacher Mark Singer, MacEnulty learned to adapt his teaching approach. He discovered that many chess masters are self-taught and that their methods didn’t translate well to a classroom setting. MacEnulty realized that he needed to start with what his students needed to know, not what he knew. By doing so, he began to see his students change and grow in new ways.
The Impact of Chess on Students’ Lives
MacEnulty found that chess helped his students develop emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. He also noticed that they learned to work together, communicating effectively, and developing patience and resilience. As their chess skills improved, they became more confident, and their academic performance increased.
From the C.E.S. 70 Team to the White House
Under MacEnulty’s guidance, the C.E.S. 70 chess team thrived. They began competing in local and state tournaments, and some of his students even won national competitions. MacEnulty’s team’s success attracted attention from the media, including a visit from First Lady Hillary Clinton.
The Book Launch and Reconnecting with Former Students
MacEnulty launched his book at a home gathering of former C.E.S. 70 colleagues and students. As he looked around at his former students, now successful professionals, he was awe-struck. "Every single one of them says it was chess that gave them their beginnings," he said.
Conclusion
David MacEnulty’s memoir is a testament to the transformative power of chess and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. As a writer, teacher, and chess enthusiast, MacEnulty has inspired a new generation of students, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and the positive effects it can have on individuals and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired David MacEnulty to write "Sunrise in the Bronx"?
A: MacEnulty wanted to share his story and the impact of chess on his students’ lives.
Q: How did MacEnulty initially get into teaching chess?
A: He was asked to sub in for a day teaching chess to third graders by a friend and chess master, Bruce Pandolfini.
Q: What were some of the challenges MacEnulty faced as a white teacher in a predominantly Black and brown school?
A: He struggled with behavior management and explaining chess fundamentals to students who had never heard of the game.
Q: How did MacEnulty adapt his teaching approach?
A: With the support of his colleagues, he learned to start with what his students needed to know, not what he knew.
Q: What is the current status of chess programs in the Bronx?
A: While chess is no longer a required class in schools, programs have expanded throughout the Bronx, including Project Pawn, which has grown its school-based instruction into a flagship center in Soundview.
