Senior Instructor - Public Speaking & DebateSummer 2026
Capitol Debate Summer Camps
Who We Are
Capitol Debate is a year-round professional organization dedicated exclusively to teaching public speaking and debate. For 20 years, we've taught over 10,000 students from 35+ countries the communication skills that matter most in an AI-driven world: persuasion, presence, and human connection.
Our alumni have attended every Ivy League school and work at organizations like Google, Bain, and leading law firms. We're looking for experienced educators who share our belief that confident communication is the skill that separates future leaders from the rest.
Why Senior Instructors Choose Capitol Debate
Teach alongside passionate educators. You'll join a team of instructors who share your enthusiasm for speech and debate-people who understand why this work matters.
Curriculum ready to go. Our 20-year-refined curriculum means you can focus on teaching, not lesson planning. Walk in prepared with proven content that works.
See your impact. Our assessment system tracks real student growth. You'll witness firsthand how your teaching transforms students over two weeks.
Prestigious campus locations. Teach at universities including Yale, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UNC Chapel Hill, American University, Villanova, University of Washington, and others nationwide.
The Role
Senior Instructors are the backbone of our classroom experience. You'll lead lessons, coach students individually, judge practice debates and competitions, and deliver personalized feedback.
This is a teaching role, not a babysitting role. You'll work with students ages 8-17 who are motivated to improve their communication skills.
What You'll Do
โข Deliver curriculum across public speaking fundamentals, debate strategy, research techniques, and competitive performance
โข Provide individualized coaching and complete detailed student assessments at mid-camp and end of camp
โข Judge practice debates, presentations, and camp competitions
โข Support the Camp Director in ensuring an excellent experience for every student and family
โข Participate in 5-10 hours of pre-camp training and planning per session
Commitment
โข Minimum 6 weeks across Summer 2026 (June 14 - August 6)
โข Each camp session is 2 weeks at one location
โข You will teach at different campuses throughout the summer
โข Arrive one day before each session begins
2026 Campus Locations
Yale UniversityUCLAUC BerkeleyUNC Chapel HillAmerican UniversityVillanova UniversityUniversity of WashingtonBabson CollegeLoyola University ChicagoIona UniversityDrew Universityand more
Who Should Apply
โข You have teaching or coaching experience in Speech & Debate, Forensics, Mock Trial, Model UN, or similar competitive speaking activities
โข You have a Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred)
โข You're energized by working with young people and seeing them grow
โข You understand that great teaching requires patience, adaptability, and genuine care
Compensation
$2,000 per two-week camp session, plus:
โข Housing provided at residential campus locations
โข Meals included during camp sessions
Requirements
Requirements & Experience
- Coached Competitive Public Speaking and Debate in one or more of the following competitive activities: Speech and Debate team, Forensics, Mock Trial Team, Model United Nations Team, or similar.
- Minimum 2 Years of Classroom Experience in 6 to 12th grade School or College Level.
- Bachelors Degree Required
- Masters Degree Preferred
- Staff may be required to walk long distances, while supervising children, in between campuses' locations under summer weather conditions.
Disclaimer
Due to the amount of resumes and applications we receive, we might not be able to respond to every inquiry. Capitol Debate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As camps vary depending on location and need, you may take on other duties to support the functioning of the camp. Fulfill your contract by helping out and picking up where something is lacking. You are responsible for making the camp run smoothly. Sometimes this includes going beyond your assigned duties.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary