Freelance Policy Debate Coach Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Division: Upper School

Job Title: Part-Time Upper School Speech and Debate Coach

ABOUT POLY

Founded in 1907, Polytechnic School is the first nonprofit, coeducational, K-12, independent school in Southern California. The meaning of polytechnic as “many arts” is reflected in the school’s ambitious and student-centered educational program. Nationally recognized as a K-12 educational leader, Poly develops the unique intellect, talents, and character of each student through transformative teaching within a diverse community devoted to academic excellence, the creative arts, the camaraderie of team sports, and service to others.

Poly strives to be an inclusive community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth by ensuring that all of our 870 students, nearly 65% of whom identify as Students of Color, are seen, heard, and valued as their authentic selves. We respect the dignity and worth of every individual and seek to celebrate the joy, the love, and the creativity that emanate from the human spirit. Throughout our Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, students, faculty, and staff commit to deepening our understanding and knowledge of ourselves, each other, and our ever-changing world.

Within our community of care, Poly students build the confidence and capacity to think critically and creatively to become responsible global citizens and intellectual leaders. Taught by an extraordinary faculty, Poly graduates are ready to fulfill the promise of their talents and lead meaningful, purposeful lives. 

To learn more about Polytechnic School, please visit us. 

POSITION PURPOSE: Polytechnic School is looking for a dynamic and a mission & vision aligned part-time policy debate coach who, above all, loves working with Upper School students and values and affirms the unique contributions of each child in the school community. Poly is looking for a coach(s) who is qualified to prepare our World Schools, Parliamentary, and/or Policy Debate teams and believes that all students can become excellent debaters. This coach will be joining a debate program that espouses the highest standards and values collegiality.

Reporting to the director of the Upper School under the supervision of our debate program coordinator, the successful candidate will take a student-centered approach to all school work and will use the school’s mission to design and support the academic, extracurricular, social, and emotional success of students. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide in-person debate instruction to Upper School students in either World Schools, Parliamentary, and or Speech Events 1- 2 evenings per week (each practice is approximately 2 hours in length); 
• Collaborate with other members of the debate program to coordinate and organize practices, travel, and special events;
• Travel with the team (including coaching and judging) for local, regional, and national tournaments once to twice a month;
• Model and uphold PolyHonor at practices and tournaments;
• Engage robustly in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote a healthy learning environment;
• Assess student strengths and areas for growth with regular verbal and written feedback;
• Be knowledgeable in new trends and developments within speech and debate education;
• Be available to parents, students, administration, and colleagues when needed; 
• Willingly take on other duties as needed;
• Assist with developing and growing a speech program;
• Be flexible with coaching a variety of events;
• Create a welcoming, kind, exciting, and collaborative environment for all students; 
• Help guide students to events which best fit their interests; 
• Attend a virtual (or in person) bi-weekly half hour staff meeting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS degree. Advanced degree(s) preferred. 
• Previous speech and/or debate coaching or competition experience at middle school or high school level.
• Demonstrated experience creating inclusive learning environments and opportunities.
• Ability to use effective classroom management techniques.
• Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes.
• Ability to work collaboratively and methodically with students, parents, faculty, and staff on a regular basis.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work in an environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines, as well as a diverse array of contacts.
• Work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Work primarily in a traditional climate-controlled classroom environment.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.