High School Speech and Debate Coach in Council Bluffs, Iowa at Saint Albert Catholic

Overview

The Speech and Debate Coach is responsible for leading, developing, and managing the school’s competitive forensics program. This includes recruiting students, providing high-level instruction across various debate formats and speech events, and overseeing the logistics of tournament participation. The primary goal is to foster students' critical thinking, public speaking, research, and advocacy skills in a competitive yet supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach students foundational and advanced techniques in debate (e.g., Policy, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Congressional) and individual speech events (e.g., Extemporaneous, Oratory, Humorous/Dramatic Interpretation).
• Assist students in identifying credible sources, analyzing complex issues, and developing cohesive cases or speeches.
• Organize and facilitate regular practice sessions, providing constructive feedback on delivery, argumentation, and rebuttal strategies.
• Develop a seasonal training schedule that prepares students for local, state, and national circuits.
• Manage all aspects of tournament entry, including registration, fee payments, and travel arrangements.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteer or hired judges to meet tournament quotas.
• Manage the program budget, including fundraising efforts, equipment procurement, and team accounts.
• Maintain regular communication with students, parents, and school administration regarding schedules, expectations, and student progress.
• Actively promote the program within the school to attract a diverse group of student participants.
• Serve as a mentor to students, fostering a team culture of academic integrity, sportsmanship, and mutual respect.
• Ensure that student competitors maintain the school’s academic eligibility requirements.
• Adhere to all rules and regulations set by the school district, State Activities Association, and the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA).
• Supervise students during travel and overnight stays at away tournaments, ensuring a safe and professional environment.

• Bachelor’s degree (Education, Communications, Political Science, or Philosophy preferred).
• Previous experience as a competitive debater or coach at the high school or collegiate level.
• Deep understanding of NSDA rules, various debate paradigms, and speech event criteria.
• Must be available for after-school practices and frequent weekend travel during the tournament season (typically September through April).

Preferred Skills

• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to motivate students and manage group dynamics.
• Experience with "Tabroom.com" or similar tournament management software.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a school setting and at various tournament venues.
• Frequent evening and weekend hours are required.
• Physical ability to supervise students in a variety of settings and manage tournament materials.

Saint Albert Catholic is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and veteran or disability status.