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 dspirou@thegreeneschool.com. 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.

About The Greene School

Connections working at The Greene School