Debate Advisor - BHS

Burlington High School; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 2,400 - 3,300; Part time

Job summary

Burlington High School is seeking a passionate Debate Advisor to guide the school’s debate team, with practices after school and tournaments on weekends. This part-time, seasonal role emphasizes mentorship, organization, and student development in critical thinking and public speaking.

Join a district committed to equity and student growth, overseeing preparation, travel, and competition logistics while fostering a respectful, inclusive team culture.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to mentor and motivate high school students.
• Ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Flexibility to work part-time hours, including evenings and weekends for practices and tournaments.

Responsibilities

• Organize, plan, and facilitate regular debate team practices to build skills in research, argumentation, and public speaking.
• Create an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages participation from students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Develop strategies and resources to help students prepare for local, regional, and state-level debate competitions.
• Accompany and supervise students at debate tournaments, ensuring safety, organization, and positive representation of the school.
• Provide mentorship in teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience, fostering personal growth and character development.
• Collaborate with school staff, administrators, and families to support student participation and success.
• Maintain records of student involvement, performance, and team progress.
• Stay informed about debate formats, rules, and trends to keep practices and competitions current and competitive.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Part-time availability

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Job description

Debate Advisor - BHS

This job is also posted in Burlington School District Burlington High School - Burlington, Vermont Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5386685

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 24, 2025 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Seasonal Extracurricular

Salary: $2,364 to $3,273 Extracurricular Salary Grid-BEA

Job Description

Debate Advisor

Burlington High School

The Burlington School District believes a diverse and culturally proficient faculty and staff are pivotal to the creation of a strong learning and working environment that supports student achievement and success. BSD administrators lead inclusive school communities with our vision: "Cultivating caring, creative, and courageous people." - Join the journey.

The Mission of the Burlington School District is to graduate students who:

• Value different cultures;
• Engage with the community;
• Communicate effectively;
• Think creatively;
• Skillfully solve problems; and
• Achieve at their highest academic, intellectual and personal potential.

Burlington School District is accepting applications for a passionate and energetic part-time Debate Team Advisor who is committed to fostering the academic, personal, and social growth of students at Burlington High School. The ideal candidate will bring strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills to guide students in developing their critical thinking, public speaking, research, and argumentation abilities. Practices are held after school with meets primarily taking place on weekends.

Essential Functions:

• Organize, plan, and facilitate regular debate team practices to build skills in research, argumentation, and public speaking.
• Create an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages participation from students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Develop strategies and resources to help students prepare for local, regional, and state-level debate competitions.
• Accompany and supervise students at debate tournaments, ensuring safety, organization, and positive representation of the school.
• Provide mentorship in teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience, fostering personal growth and character development.
• Collaborate with school staff, administrators, and families to support student participation and success.
• Maintain records of student involvement, performance, and team progress.
• Stay informed about debate formats, rules, and trends to keep practices and competitions current and competitive.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to mentor and motivate high school students.
• Ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Flexibility to work part-time hours, including evenings and weekends for practices and tournaments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in debate, public speaking, or related academic competitions.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, communication, or a related field.
• Prior experience advising, coaching, or mentoring high school students.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

These are the physical and mental/reasoning requirements of the position as it is typically performed. The inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental/reasoning requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. For a full Job Description please contact Human Resources.

Include but may not be limited to:

• Face-to-Face contact
• Noise Levels
• Verbal contact with others
• Judgment/decision making
• Inside air conditioning and heat

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Burlington School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Applications from women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

The Burlington School District will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Burlington School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

Contact Information

• John Fontaine , Associate Director Human Resources
• 150 Colchester Ave.
• Burlington, Vermont 05401
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]