Speech & Debate Coach

Job description:

We are seeking an experienced and accomplished Speech & Debate Coach to mentor middle and high school students (primarily Grades 8–12) who are preparing for competitive speech and debate with the goal of admission to Top 30 U.S. Universities.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in the U.S. National Speech & Debate Circuit and is capable of providing both technical instruction and long-term competition planning. Students may pursue interests in the humanities, social sciences, business, STEM, or interdisciplinary fields, and the coach should be able to tailor instruction to each student's academic goals.

This is a fully remote, part-time position with compensation based on assigned students and coaching projects.

Responsibilities
Speech & Debate Instruction

• Develop individualized training plans and long-term competition strategies based on each student's experience level, academic interests, and college goals.
• Teach one or more of the following competitive events:
• Public Forum Debate (PF)
• Congressional Debate
• Extemporaneous Speaking (USX/IX)
• Policy Debate
• International Public Policy Forum (IPPF)
• Provide instruction in:
• Case construction and argument development
• Brief writing
• Research methodologies
• Rebuttal strategy
• Crossfire/cross-examination techniques
• Public speaking and impromptu delivery
• Evidence analysis and source evaluation

Competition Coaching

• Guide students through tournament registration and management using Tabroom.com, including both school-affiliated and independent entries.
• Coach students before, during, and after regional tournaments, National Circuit competitions, and prestigious university invitationals (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton).
• Conduct post-round ballot reviews and analyze judges' Reason for Decision (RFD) to help students continuously improve.

Academic & Interdisciplinary Mentorship

• Support students pursuing highly selective universities, particularly those interested in public policy, political science, economics, STEM policy, or other interdisciplinary fields.
• Coach students participating in the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF), including policy research, argument development, and essay preparation.

QualificationsRequiredCompetitive Coaching Experience

• Demonstrated experience coaching students in the U.S. National Speech & Debate Circuit.
• Proven record of coaching students or teams to significant competitive success, including:
• Elimination Rounds (Breaks) at major National Circuit tournaments;
• NSDA National Tournament qualification or strong performance;
• Tournament of Champions (TOC) qualifying tournaments; or
• Speaker Awards or other nationally recognized competitive achievements.

Personal Competitive Background

• Significant competitive experience in high school or collegiate speech and debate.
• Candidates with outstanding competitive results at the Tournament of Champions (TOC), NSDA Nationals, or other major National Circuit tournaments are strongly preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Extensive experience using Tabroom.com for tournament registration, management, and competition logistics.
• Thorough understanding of:
• Independent Entries
• Club and school registrations
• NSDA points system
• National Circuit tournament requirements
• Hired Judge policies and tournament procedures

Teaching & Communication

• Excellent coaching, mentoring, and communication skills.
• Passion for developing students' critical thinking, analytical reasoning, public speaking, and academic research abilities.
• Native or near-native English proficiency with exceptional writing and editing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a registered tournament judge through Tabroom.com.
• Background in political science, public policy, economics, international relations, sociology, philosophy, or related disciplines.
• Experience mentoring students for interdisciplinary academic competitions and policy research.
• Experience coaching students applying to highly selective U.S. universities.

Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is more than a debate instructor—they are a mentor who understands both the competitive speech and debate landscape and how debate can strengthen a student's academic profile for highly selective college admissions. They have a proven record of competitive success, stay current with National Circuit trends, and are passionate about helping ambitious students reach their full potential.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: Remote

This is a remote position.