Details
Posted: 06-Jun-22
Location: New Canaan, Connecticut
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Other
St. Luke’s School, a secular, college-preparatory day school serving grades 5 through 12 in New Canaan, Connecticut, seeks a talented Head Debate Coach to direct our Upper and Middle School program. In this full-time faculty role, you will take the helm of a team whose climb in the state and national ranks over recent years has raised the bar on both skills and aspirations, and St. Luke’s is looking for an inspiring leader to continue that trajectory. Our program features older debaters who mentor and coach younger ones, a model that promotes the leadership skills we believe are fundamental to debate.
The St. Luke’s Debate program currently includes about 20 Upper School students and 15 Middle School students. The School competes in several leagues, including The Debating Association of New England Independent Schools (DANEIS), the Connecticut Debate Association (CDA), the American Debate League (ADL), and the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). In recent years, the St. Luke’s Debate team has qualified students for the WIDPSC World Championships and won the CDA High School State Championship. Most recently, several students at the Middle School and Upper School level qualified for the NSDA national tournament.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
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Run all Middle and Upper School debate practice sessions, Monday-Thursday, 3:00pm-4:30pm.
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Coach and judge debaters at all Upper School and Middle School tournaments, typically 2 weekends/month from September-June, including some overnight trips out of state.
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Coordinate and communicate registration details for tournaments, travel logistics, and parent and faculty judges.
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Manage the Debate Team budget for tournament entry and travel.
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Hold a Class A endorsement on driver’s license and serve as the primary driver in SLS vehicles going to and from tournaments.
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Work closely with and mentor assistant coaches with limited background in debate.
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Provide post-tournament photos and write-ups for SLS Communications.
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Teach separate Speech & Debate elective classes in both the Middle & Upper School.
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Serve as an advisor or co-advisor for a group of 6 to 8 students.
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Assist with faculty coverage duties, such as lunchroom or study hall supervision.
Qualifications
Key Skills and Qualities:
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Strong knowledge of a variety of debate styles: Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, Policy, Cross-X, and Extemporaneous, e.g.
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Exceptional organizational skills, including experience leading youth programs with a travel component
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An inspiring and nurturing leader and mentor, with demonstrated ability to recruit students and help them grow as speakers and debaters
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Excellent oral and written communication skills
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Strong cultural competency skills and a demonstrated commitment to furthering the creation of an equitable and inclusive school community that supports a deep sense of belonging
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Experience teaching academic content in a middle school, high school, or college setting
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references in pdf format addressed to Beth Yavenditti, Director of Global Education and Jim Foley, Assistant Head of School for Leadership & Innovation.
Additional information
Proof of full Covid vaccination required upon hiring. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.