Assistant Coach Public Forum Debate

Assistant Coach for Public Forum Debate

Seasonal Durham, NC, US

8 days ago Requisition

Durham Academy is an independent day school located in Durham, North Carolina educating students in preschool through grade 12.

DA Speech and Debate is a full‑service program working with students from 5th to 12th grade in areas such as Lincoln‑Douglas debate, Public Forum debate, Congressional Debate, interpretation events, platform events, and limited prep events.

The Assistant Coach for Public Forum Debate prepares students for competitive debate competitions while honing their communication and critical thinking skills. Working closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Speech and Debate, the assistant coach facilitates practice sessions, offers constructive feedback, travels to competitions, and creates a supportive learning environment.

• Eagerness to build supportive relationships with students in and beyond the classroom
• A willingness to try innovative teaching and coaching strategies
• Cultural competence with a desire to create and promote an inclusive learning environment
• Expertise in communication skills
• Experience in competitive debate as a competitor; while experience in coaching is preferred, it is not required
• Model a student‑centered approach to teaching in an active classroom
• Eager to seek feedback on all aspects of professional life and committed to lifelong growth
• Collaborate authentically and actively while building collegial relationships with colleagues
• Build supportive relationships with students and parents/caregivers and participate actively in school life beyond the classroom
• Recognize student wellness as central to the learning experience
• Use technology thoughtfully and creatively to enhance teaching and learning
• Innovate and experiment to discover compelling learning experiences for students

• Assist in running Upper School Speech & Debate practices for Public Forum Debate
• Work after school to coordinate practices and support competitive students
• Chaperone and judge at Speech & Debate competitions on weekends
• Provide weekly office hours with students to prepare for local, regional, and national competitions
• Provide detailed feedback and suggestions during practice sessions and competitions, empowering students to refine their performances
• Guide students in mastering public‑speaking techniques such as delivery, articulation, and body language through engaging practice activities

• Resume
• A list of three references with contact information

Durham Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.