Position Summary:  

The Speech and Debate Teacher/Coach is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive speech and debate program that cultivates students' skills in public speaking, argumentation, and critical thinking. The teacher/coach will guide students through competition preparation, help them develop research and presentation techniques, and foster a supportive and motivating environment for competitive success and personal growth.

Key Responsibilities: 

Instruction and Curriculum Development  

- Design and implement engaging curriculum and lesson plans for speech and debate courses that emphasize critical thinking, public speaking, research, and persuasive writing.  

- Teach students various formats of debate (such as Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, Public Forum) and speech events (such as Original Oratory, Dramatic Interpretation, Extemporaneous Speaking).  

- Provide instruction on research methods, argument structure, evidence analysis, and effective presentation skills.  

Competition Preparation and Coaching  

- Coach students individually and in groups to prepare for local, regional, and national speech and debate tournaments.  

- Assist students in developing and refining their competitive pieces, conducting practice rounds, and analyzing performance.  

- Travel with the team to tournaments as required, providing supervision, guidance, and logistical support.  

Program Development and Growth  

- Promote the speech and debate program within the school community and encourage student participation.  

- Coordinate and organize on-campus events such as debates, showcases, or workshops to engage students and build awareness of the program.  

- Develop and oversee a budget for the program, including registration fees, travel expenses, and materials.  

Student Support and Development  

- Foster a supportive and positive environment that encourages teamwork, respect, and constructive feedback.  

- Monitor and evaluate each student’s progress, providing regular feedback and strategies for improvement.  

- Support students’ social-emotional growth, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and effective communication skills.  

Administrative and Communication Responsibilities  

- Maintain accurate records of student participation, competition results, and other relevant data for program assessment.  

- Communicate regularly with students, parents, and school administration about program goals, student progress, and upcoming events.  

- Attend relevant school meetings and contribute to the school’s mission by supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications:  

- Master's degree in English, Communication, Political Science, Education, or a related field 

- Previous experience in teaching/coaching speech and debate or related subjects.  

- Familiarity with competitive speech and debate formats, organizations, and rules (NSDA, CFL, etc.).  

- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.  

- Ability to inspire and motivate students while promoting a positive learning environment.  

- Flexibility to attend competitions and tournaments, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Skills: 

- Experience participating in or coaching speech and debate at the competitive level.  

- Experience with online learning platforms and digital tools for remote coaching.  

- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for diverse learners.

Working Conditions:  

- Part-time/full-time as determined by school needs, with some evening and weekend hours required for tournaments.  

- Regular interaction with students, parents, and faculty, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Application Process:  

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected]. Please include "Speech and Debate Teacher/Coach Application" in the subject line of your email.

The Greene School is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

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