Upper School; Grades 5-8 Debate Coach

Overview

Founded in 1901, The Cathedral School is committed to academic excellence in a curriculum that integrates critical thinking, the arts, athletics, and leadership development. The School believes that the recognition and appreciation of differences in race, socioeconomic status, cultural or religious tradition, age, gender, ability, or sexual orientation enhance the individual's sense of identity and broaden respect for others. Through curriculum and informal school experiences, students at The Cathedral School come to understand the inherent value of all people and the importance of working towards equity in all that they do.

The School’s mission is brought to life on the idyllic 11-acre campus of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side through seven Core Values:
Cooperation, Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Passion for Learning, Respect, and Responsibility.

As an independent K-8 day school rooted in the Episcopal tradition, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine educates students to become articulate, confident, and responsible citizens of the world through rigorous academics, innovative approaches to learning, and the nurturing of their aspirations in a diverse community of all faiths.

The Upper School (Grades 5-8) Debate Coach reports directly to the Head of Upper School at The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine. Candidates must have prior experience as a debate teacher or coach working with middle school-aged students, and will be committed to nurturing a culture where inexperienced students are welcomed, and each student is pushed to excel. A high school diploma or GED is required.

A bachelor’s degree is preferred. In support of The Cathedral School s mission, the Upper School Debate Coach must be prepared to view curriculum, classroom, and school culture through a lens focused on equity and justice. A nurturing and caring personality is essential.

• Foster a healthy and supportive team environment.
• Oversee all aspects of the Middle School Debate program
• Develop and execute practice plans for weekly meetings
• Chaperone and coach students at debate tournaments
• Collaborate with the Upper School leadership team to provide students with individualized help and support, including maintaining consistent behavioral expectations
• Communicate regularly with parents
• Organize weekend debate trips, including overseeing logistics, transportation, and securing chaperones.

• Weekly debate practice (~3 hours, 3:30-6:30 every Wednesday afternoon)
• Meetings with the grade deans, as needed, in support of our students
• Debate tournaments (one full Saturday in October, November, December, January, March, and April)

• High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s Degree preferred)
• Experience coaching or teaching Debate; specific experience with the Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP) format is a plus
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Ability to work productively and collaboratively with a diverse faculty and student body

The Upper School (Grades 5-8) Debate Coach is an hourly, in-person role with a start date of late Winter 2026. The hiring range for this position is $30 - $35 per hour. Placement in the range is commensurate with experience.