About this role
THE SPENCE SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL DEBATE COACH
Part-time, to begin Fall 2026
Overview:
The Spence School seeks a Debate Coach for the Upper School Debate Team, which includes students who participate in Novice, JV, and Varsity Public Forum debate.
Responsibilities:
- Judge PF on the weekends of major tournaments (usually two per semester, and includes overnight travel outside of the NYC area to Boston, New Haven, Philadelphia, or Princeton)
- Hold weekly one-hour sessions either in person or on Zoom to prepare student participants for debate competitions by assisting with debate strategy and coaching progressive argumentation at a basic level
Hours should be flexible; this may take place after school or on the weekends
- Facilitate research and construction of cases and speeches
- Communicate regularly with the faculty advisor of the Debate Team and the Upper School Dean of Students
Qualifications
Qualifications:
- Is ready to joyfully engage high school students
- Has experience with curriculum and competition in Public Forum debate at the Varsity level
- Experience with Speech is beneficial but not required
- Experience working with high-school students in a mentoring, coaching, or teaching capacity
- Demonstrates cultural competency and skills engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Demonstrates flexibility, patience, maturity, and good judgment
- Demonstrates professional boundaries when working with students
- Is responsible and punctual
- Possess strong writing, verbal, and organizational skills
Spence is committed to an equitable program and a diverse faculty and student body. We therefore actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Salary range: $5,000-$12,000 based on weekly time commitment