1

Debate Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Debate Instructor information

See salary details

$9

$21

$36

How much do debate instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for debate instructor in the United States is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Debate Instructor vs Debate Coach?

AspectDebate InstructorDebate Coach
CredentialsTeaching certification or experience in educationExperience in debate coaching, sometimes certifications in debate or communication
Work EnvironmentClassroom or workshop settings, schools, debate clubsAfter-school programs, debate tournaments, team practices
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational organizations, debate clubsSchools, debate teams, extracurricular programs
Primary FocusTeaching debate skills to studentsTraining and preparing debate teams for competitions

While both roles involve working with debate, a Debate Instructor primarily teaches debate skills in educational settings, focusing on student learning. A Debate Coach, on the other hand, concentrates on training debate teams for competitions, often providing strategic guidance and practice. The roles overlap in skills and environment but differ in their primary objectives and scope.

How do Debate Instructors typically collaborate with other educators to support student success?

Debate Instructors often work closely with English, social studies, and communications teachers to reinforce students' critical thinking and public speaking skills across subjects. They may co-plan assignments, share resources, and coordinate schedules for tournaments or exhibitions. This collaboration ensures students receive consistent guidance and have opportunities to apply debate skills in various academic contexts, enhancing their overall learning experience. Additionally, Debate Instructors often partner with school administrators and extracurricular coordinators to organize events and secure necessary resources for the debate program.

What does a Debate Instructor do?

A Debate Instructor teaches students the fundamentals of debate, including how to research topics, construct logical arguments, and develop effective public speaking skills. They guide students through various debate formats, offer feedback on performance, and help build confidence in expressing ideas clearly and persuasively. Debate Instructors often organize practice debates, prepare students for competitions, and foster critical thinking skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Debate Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Debate Instructor, you need expertise in argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking, often supported by a background in communication, English, or education. Familiarity with debate formats, research databases, and tools like Google Classroom or Zoom are typically used for instruction and student engagement. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate students are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for effectively guiding students to develop persuasive arguments and confidence in public speaking.
More about Debate Instructor jobs
Infographic showing various Debate Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,102 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor

STEAMspark

Farmers Branch, TX

$20 - $35/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor

STEAMspark is seeking a dedicated and inspiring Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor to play a vital role in developing confident communicators, critical thinkers, and respectful leaders. Your role will involve planning and delivering engaging speech and debate classes that introduce children to public speaking, argumentation, research, and critical thinking while aligning with our Montessori and STEAM curriculum and creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.


Job Overview

  • Are you a passionate educator with a talent for public speaking and debate instruction?
  • Do you enjoy helping young children discover the power of effective communication in a nurturing and academically rich environment?


As our Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor, you'll guide small group classes 2-3 times per week during the afternoon hours. Your students will develop foundational skills in public speaking, critical thinking, research, and debate while building confidence, leadership, and effective communication.


Work Schedule

  • Part-time position
  • Afternoon classes, typically between 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, two days per week
  • Exact schedule will be determined based on child enrollment and class grouping


Key Responsibilities

Speech & Debate Instruction

  • Teach age-appropriate speech and debate classes for children beginning at age 6
  • Introduce public speaking, logical reasoning, research, persuasive writing, and debate fundamentals
  • Prepare students for classroom showcases, speech presentations, and age-appropriate academic competitions
  • Select engaging topics and activities that match students' developmental levels
  • Prepare for and attend our Winter (December) and Spring (April/May) showcases


Child Engagement & Growth

  • Create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters confidence, curiosity, and respectful dialogue
  • Adapt instruction to meet a range of learning styles and developmental needs
  • Offer supportive feedback and guidance to encourage communication and leadership growth


Collaboration & Communication

  • Communicate regularly with families and school staff regarding progress, practice, and presentation opportunities
  • Coordinate with other enrichment instructors to integrate speech and debate into school events or showcases
  • Maintain attendance and basic records for each student


Required Qualifications

  • Strong public speaking and communication skills
  • Experience in speech, debate, mock trial, Model United Nations, or a related field
  • Experience teaching or coaching children, preferably ages 6-12
  • Enthusiasm for working in a nurturing Montessori-inspired environment
  • Clear communication and classroom management skills


Preferred Qualifications

  • Degree in Communications, Education, Political Science, English, Law, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Experience coaching competitive speech or debate
  • Experience preparing students for academic competitions
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)


Compensation & Benefits

  • Hourly pay range: $20 - $35, based on experience
  • Professional development support
  • Flexible, consistent part-time schedule
  • Opportunity to grow academic enrichment programming in a vibrant school community


Why Work at STEAMspark?

STEAMspark is more than a school. It is a space where innovation, imagination, and individual growth are celebrated. We believe speech and debate are powerful tools for nurturing confident, capable, and articulate learners. If you are passionate about helping young children find their voice in a supportive and enriching environment, we invite you to join our team.


About our Organization


STEAMspark is an AMI/USA Aspiring School and an AMS Verified School. We are also fully accredited through Cognia, which encompasses NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI. Together, these distinctions allow us to serve children from as young as 6 weeks old in our Nido environment through 12th grade.

We are committed to:

  • Preparing students to become top academic performers throughout their education.
  • Positioning them to take on more advanced courses in secondary school.
  • Enabling them to pursue higher education opportunities successfully.
  • Igniting a passion for learning at an early age, our Montessori driven, STEAM integrated, age-appropriate, highly interactive curricula taught by Montessori credentialed and/or state certified educators dedicated to our students.


Here are some of the benefits of working at STEAMspark:

  • Medical (where STEAMspark picks up a generous amount of the cost)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Paid Time Off and Company Paid Holidays
  • Rewards & Recognition Programs
  • Mentorship Opportunities