Career Center

Parker School is a vibrant learning community of 330 K-12 students nurtured by engaged educators and families in the community of Waimea on magnificent Hawai?i Island. It is an exciting time to be at Parker! As it begins its 48th year, Parker is preparing for the next chapter of growth and development.

The Opportunity

The Debate Director will be responsible for leading and involving students in an engaging and competitive debate program. At Parker, debate is a popular elective course with a history of strong competition at the state and national level for over 10 years.

Primary Responsibilities

As a full-time faculty member, they will likely teach two sections of debate and three sections of classes within their discipline.

• Develop and teach your courses expertly with the highest standards for each student
• Convey enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry and model lifelong learning
• Design instruction that emphasizes critical thinking and real-world problem solving
• Collaborate with colleagues in the development and execution of curriculum
• Create hands-on, inquiry-based, and real-world learning experiences
• Collaborate effectively with students, parents, teachers and administrators
• Communicate frequently and clearly with students, families and colleagues
• Model flexibility in implementing best learning practices
• Demonstrate strong problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and teamwork skills
• Demonstrate self-motivation with high work standards and attention to detail
• Support the well-being of all students
• Arrange participation, coordinate travel, and serve as the lead chaperone for debate travel to in-state and mainland tournaments
• Serve on the Hawaii Speech League board when a representative from Hawaii island is required
• Manage the debate budget
• Fulfill other faculty duties as assigned
• Demonstrate interest and ability to serve as a grade-level advisor to students, lead student activities, and contribute beyond the classroom to support school programs and activities
• Participate actively in other aspects of the student experience and school functioning: chaperoning events, serving on committees, and developing new programs at the school
• Model professional behavior and collegiality at all times

Preferred Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred
• Experience coaching debate with students participating in state and national tournaments, including Lincoln Douglas and Public Forum
• Teaching experience in secondary school required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A desire to integrate curriculum with other subjects and to teach collaboratively
• Flexibility and creativity in working in a dynamic environment where new ideas, mistakes, and iteration are embraced.
• An openness to feedback and improvement, modeling lifelong learning of practice as well as subject area.
• A love of learning and love of school, and a willingness to support unique and unpredictable learning journeys
• A healthy sense of humor and fun-loving spirit

About Parker School

The School Parker School promotes a joyful, engaged and outstanding educational experience for all students. The school community cherishes Parker’s tight-knit and extended family feeling, in which each student is known, valued, and nurtured. Meaningful relationships between faculty and students are close, and Parker students experience deep comfort and support throughout the school. In Hawaiian, this all-embracing sense of family and community is ‘ohana, a fundamental quality of Parker School. Academic excellence and outstanding programs in the fine and performing arts, and Speech & Debate, distinguish Parker School. Parker provides just the right mix of challenge and support to bring out the very best in each student. Established in 1976 by community leaders, Parker School has been an essential educational resource for Hawai‘i Island for over four decades and serves a diverse student body. Parker began as a ninth through twelfth-grade high school, adding grades seven and eight in 1977, grade six in 2004, and kindergarten through fifth grade in 2005. Today, Parker School is thriving as it serves 330 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Parker School is a non-profit..., college-preparatory, independent day school fully accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Community Parker is deeply rooted in the community of Waimea (mailing address Kamuela) on magnificent Hawai‘i Island. At 2,700 feet (823 m), Waimea enjoys the beauty and moderate climate of “upcountry” Hawai‘i. Waimea is the headquarters for two of the world’s largest astronomical observatories, located on Mauna Kea. The area is also rich in agriculture and ranching. Parker Ranch, the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States, has been based in Waimea for 160 years, and Parker School has deep roots in the paniolo (cowboy) culture of Hawai‘i Island. The island’s top hospital, affiliated with The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu, is in Waimea. Waimea also boasts a thriving performing arts and education non-profit, Kahilu Theatre. Every season, Kahilu Theatre presents world-class artists of all varieties (music, dance, performance, family, etc.) from Hawai‘i, the US, and beyond. The Kohala Coast, a popular tourist destination, is a short drive away.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Parker School