Speech and Debate; Forensics - Head Coach

Speech and Debate (Forensics) - Head Coach

• Position Type:
  Athletics/Activities/ Coaching
• Date Posted: 4/2/2026
• Location:
  
  Ladue Horton Watkins High School
• Date Available:
  
  08/01/2026

Speech and debate is an all school year commitment. Practices will start in August and will end in early June. Practices are Monday‑Thursday. Tournaments are Fridays and Saturdays from October through February with district competition in March. The state tournament is in April with the national tournaments in May and June. In addition to working with students after school, coaches will need to be available to review debate cases, edit speeches, and read performance pieces outside of practice times and provide feedback to students.

• Providing instructional and strategic leadership to the team.
• Teaching students the theories, skills, and techniques related to various speech and debate events.
• Developing and implementing practice plans to improve students' speaking, argumentation, and research skills.
• Recruiting and retaining students for the team.
• Developing the program's identity and fostering a positive team environment.
• Creating the team's competition schedule in collaboration with the Athletic Director or Activities Coordinator.
• Managing the program's budget and fundraising efforts.
• Handling administrative tasks such as permission slips, insurance forms, and tournament entries.
• Coordinating student and judge entries for tournaments.
• Making travel arrangements (transportation and lodging).
• Supervising and potentially judging at weekend and evening tournaments.
• Hosting invitational tournaments.
• Mentoring and guiding students in their academic and personal growth.
• Monitoring the academic and mental well‑being of team participants.
• Maintaining effective communication with students, parents, school administration, and the community.
• Working with assistant coaches.
• Collaborating with other departments and coaches in the area.
• Ensuring adherence to school policies and any governing body rules (e.g., MSHSAA).
• Staying informed about rule changes and judging standards.

• Eligibility for Missouri Substitute Certification is required.
• Speech and debate coaches will be required to complete MSHSAA coach training.
• Experience as a competitor or coach in speech and debate is preferred.

This position is for the 2026‑27 school year. This is a stipend position and the compensation is based on verified prior experience in a similar role. The current range is $6,372‑$7,960 based on the 2025‑26 Stipend Ranges. This will be updated when the 2026‑27 Stipend Ranges are established.
The Ladue School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs or activities. Inquiries related to district programs may be directed to Title IX coordinator, 9703 Conway Road, St. Louis MO 63124; telephone number 314‑994‑7080.