Director of School Programs, Chess in the Schools
Born in the United Kingdom, Ron Boocock studied at Saint Martin’s School of Art in London before bringing his talents to New York City. He began his career with Chess in the Schools (CIS) in 2001 as a chess instructor, quickly rising through the ranks due to his leadership, creativity, and commitment to educational equity.
In 2003, Ron became a Field Manager, overseeing instructional quality and mentoring fellow educators. By 2005, he had taken on the role of Professional Development Leader, training and supporting CIS instructors. In 2013, he became Manager of the Teacher Training Institute, expanding his focus to include training for New York City public school teachers.
Appointed Director of School Programs in 2014, Ron has helped shape the organization’s strategy and growth, including leading the transition to virtual teacher training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his guidance, CIS launched Zoom-based instruction and began to reimagine how professional learning could evolve in a digital age.
Most recently, Ron has spearheaded the development of CIS’s new “Teacher Community and Resources” program, designed to connect and empower educators. The initiative hosted its first in-person event on June 6, 2025, and has partnered with Chess.com to provide an online club room with teaching resources and forums. Ron is currently leading the training of a new instructor team and planning additional in-person events for the upcoming school year.
With more than two decades of service, Ron Boocock remains a driving force behind CIS’s mission to use chess as a powerful tool for learning, growth, and connection across New York City’s public schools