Director of Speech and Debate

The Altamont School seeks an exceptional Debate Teacher Coach and Director who will advance the schools proud tradition of excellence in academics student life and community. The ideal candidate is an experienced educator and coach with a passion for competitive debate public speaking and critical ideal candidate isalsoamotivated student-centered professional who cancontinuea thriving debate program at the middle and upper school levels. Ourteachersengage in ongoing professional development foster an inclusive and intellectually rigorous environment and actively support our schools strategic initiatives of community and inclusion.

Essential Functions

• Teaches debate-related courses and electives ( Speaking Argumentation Forensics) to middle and/or upper school students developing age-appropriate curriculum aligned with school-wide academic standards.

• Directsand coaches the schools competitive debate team preparing students for local regional and national tournaments across formats such as Lincoln-Douglas Public ForumSpeechand/or Policy debate.

• Recruitsandmentorsstudent debaters fostering a welcoming and competitive team culture that emphasizes intellectual growth sportsmanship and public speaking confidence.

• Designs and implements a structured practice schedule coordinateslogisticsfor competitions and manages travel arrangements for tournaments in collaboration with administration.

• Plans andmaintainstournament schedule that aligns with the school and teams goals for the seasonmaintainingan outward facing promotion of the program to broadcast to school and community about success

• Identifiesclear learningobjectivesand develops engaging rigorous lessons that build argumentation research critical thinking and oral communication skills.

• Setshigh expectationsfor student performance providestimelyand substantive feedback on speeches cases andtournament preparation and tracks student progress across the season.

• Manages classroom and team settings effectivelyalwaysmodeling professional ethical and respectful behavior

• Maintains the debate programs budget equipment and resources andsubmitsrequired reports and documentationin a timely manner.

• Establishes andmaintainsopen communication with students parents colleagues and tournamentofficials;serves as the schools primary liaison to local and national debate leagues and organizations.

• Attends andparticipatesin faculty meetings serves on committees asrequired and fulfills other duties as assigned by the Head of School Assistant Head of School orAcademic Director such as Fall Project Weektraveland Advisory.

• Pursues ongoing professional development in pedagogy coaching strategies formats to continuously improve program quality

• Bachelors degree from an accredited university; a background in Communication English Political Science Philosophy or a related field is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience coaching competitive debate at the secondary school level with a record of student development and competitive success.

• Familiarity with major competitive debate formats (Lincoln-Douglas Public ForumSpeechand/or Policy) and experience preparing students for NSDA-affiliated or equivalent tournaments.

• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to model the persuasive speaking and argumentation skills expected of students.

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills including the ability to manage a competitive season calendar coordinate travel and meet administrative deadlines.

• Flexibility sound judgment and strong interpersonal skills; ability to motivate and support students of varied skill levels and backgrounds.

• Experience with classroom or team management strategies in a secondary school setting.

• Commitment to student well-being academic integrity and inclusive participation in the debate program

• Dedicationtoour schools core values of Respect Integrity Balance Curiosity and Leadership

Foradditionalinformation please contactForadditionalinformation please contact JP Hemingway Assistant Head of School () or Larry McCain Director of English and World Languages ().

Applications may besubmittedthrough theEmployment Opportunitiespage of the

The Altamont School is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The schoolcomplies withall applicable lawsregardingnon-discrimination.