Speech Debate Sponsor

Debate Coach

Jacobs High School is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Debate Coach. The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of debate, public speaking, research, argument development, and competitive debate procedures. The coach will focus on student achievement, critical thinking, effective communication, teamwork, sportsmanship, and sustained participation in the program. In accordance with the LEAD Contract, the Debate Coach is responsible for coaching the team and attending a minimum of ten invitational debate tournaments during the regular season.

The Debate Coach is responsible for the supervision, organization, and operation of the team in the same manner that an athletic coach is responsible for an athletic team. This includes arranging transportation, scheduling competitions, providing judges, and managing other program needs. The Debate Coach will work primarily with the Assistant Activities Directors while remaining under the overall supervision of the Athletic Director.

Performance Responsibilities/Requirements/

Qualifications:

Previous experience with debate, competitive speech, public speaking, coaching, teaching, or a related activity is preferred. Possesses knowledge of debate rules, competition procedures, research methods, argument construction, evidence evaluation, public speaking, and tournament strategy. Coaches the team and attends a minimum of ten invitational debate tournaments during the regular season, as required by the LEAD Contract. Assumes responsibility for the supervision, organization, administration, and operation of the Debate program.

Organizes and oversees all levels and areas of the Debate program. Recruits students and promotes sustained participation and success within the program. Plans and conducts practices that develop students' research, critical-thinking, argumentation, speaking, listening, questioning, rebuttal, and collaboration skills. Prepares students to compete effectively in the debate formats utilized by the program. Teaches students to research topics, evaluate sources, organize evidence, construct arguments, respond to opposing positions, and communicate ideas effectively.

Establishes program expectations and determines competition entries and student pairings based on preparation, performance, participation, and program needs. Maintains a positive, inclusive, academically focused, and respectful environment for all participants. Develops and maintains the program's regular-season and postseason competition schedule in coordination with the Assistant Activities Directors. Completes all tournament registrations and submits required entries and documentation by established deadlines.

Arranges and confirms transportation for tournaments and competitions in coordination with the Assistant Activities Directors. Secures, schedules, and provides the required number of qualified judges for each tournament or competition. Communicates with tournament directors and host schools regarding schedules, entries, judges, competition requirements, and other event details. Communicates with the Assistant Activities Directors to secure appropriate practice and competition spaces.

Coordinates all practices, competitions, tournaments, and postseason activities with the Assistant Activities Directors. Communicates and plans with assistant coaches, when applicable, regarding practices, student development, competition assignments, and tournament strategies. Ensures that all student participants comply with District 300, conference, tournament, and IHSA requirements, including the Code of Conduct, applicable fees, and academic eligibility. Models and instills the values of integrity, professionalism, respectful…