Position Title:          Upper School Speech & Debate Teacher

Date Modified:         January 11, 2021

Reports to:               Head of Upper School

Position Purpose:  The Upper School Speech & Debate Teacher plans and implements a forensics curriculum to prepare students in grades 9-12 to reach their maximum potential in Speech and Debate, in accordance with the educational philosophy of Saint Mary’s Hall.

Start Date:                August 2021

Essential Functions:

Responsibilities to the General Community:

• To prepare and implement lessons for the following Upper School classes: 3 sections of Speech & Debate I-IV and one section of Honors Speech & Debate
• To prepare students for competitive success in forensic tournaments at the local, state and national levels across multiple competitive genres, focusing primarily on Debate and Public Speaking events including Public Forum, Congressional Debate, Original Oratory, Informative, Domestic and Foreign Extemp, and Impromptu
• Provide coaching support of Interpretation Events (HI, DI, Duo, DA, POI, Prose, Poetry)
• To coach students one-on-one in after-school Speech and Debate coaching sessions  
• To travel with, and chaperone, the SMH Speech & Debate team at weekend Speech and Debate tournaments, including state and national tournaments such as the Longhorn Classic, the Texas Forensic Association State Tournament, the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions Tournament, University of Kentucky Tournament of Champions, and the National Speech and Debate annual competition in June
• To effectively integrate professional standards of Speech & Debate education into everyday classroom instruction and curriculum
• To work with the Director of Fine Arts on continual refinement and improvement of the Upper School Speech & Debate curriculum
• To collaborate with the Director of Fine Arts and faculty on vertical alignment, productions, events, and programs.
• To work in a collegial and supportive manner with the theater faculty around the sharing of students, facilities and resources
• To manage the registration and billing of students for local, regional, and national tournaments.
• To work with administration to book flights, hotels, transportation, and hiring of judges for tournaments.
• To maintain the chapter standing in the National Forensic League and oversee the SMH annual tournament
• To order and maintain the digital resources, evidence, and cuttings in the classroom and to tend to team communication.
• To act as an Upper School advisor
• To prepare an environment in which the furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the group, as well as individual students
• To maintain current attendance, student records, and grading
• To attend staff meetings, parent meetings, and any special meeting(s) requested by the administration, as well as school and department events
• To attend conferences and other professional development opportunities to ensure that teaching practices remain current
• To protect the privacy and working environment of the class at all times
• To conduct class meetings for parents when appropriate and communicate and cooperate with parents on a regular and consistent basis
• To assist with other projects, programs, and planning as assigned by the Administration and or Director of Fine Arts
• To understand and exhibit a professional manner at all times including after-school and weekend functions

Additional Responsibilities:

• To be responsible for the care and maintenance of an orderly environment and clean classroom materials
• To be responsible for the safety and physical well-being of the students at all times

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• To be able to communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel
• To possess a good working knowledge of a variety of competitive forensic styles and teaching methodologies
• To have a positive, upbeat, fun, but disciplined approach to teaching and learning, while promoting a culture of team spirit and student wellness
• To work intentionally to foster equity, inclusion, and diversity in the classroom, in coaching sessions, at tournaments and in the school community

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a related field is required; a Master’s Degree is preferred
• Coaching experience is required with demonstrated expertise in Debate
• Experience teaching fulltime in a high school classroom, with high achieving Speech and Debate coaching results at the state and national level, is strongly preferred

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work in an classroom environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts
• Occasionally bend, stoop, and squat
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time
• Be able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
• Work primarily in a traditional climate controlled environment 
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.   

Interested candidates should submit electronically a cover letter expressing the reasons for their interest in the position, a current résumé, and a copy of any relevant college transcripts.