Debate Teacher - High School

Chesterton Academy of the Divine Family; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesterton Academy of the Divine Family is seeking a passionate Debate Teacher for the 2025–2026 school year. The candidate will guide students in public speaking and logical reasoning while fostering a Catholic classroom culture, preparing them for competitions, and mentoring their growth in dialogue and virtue.

Benefits

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Daily Mass and spiritual enrichment

Joyful and mission-centered school culture

Professional development opportunities

Opportunity to shape arts and drama program

Qualifications

• Prior teaching experience or experience coaching debate preferred.
• Familiarity with classical education and the trivium.
• Practicing Roman Catholic, willing to take Oath of Fidelity.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging debate instruction rooted in classical rhetoric.
• Create a classroom environment fostering joy and Catholic identity.
• Support students in developing critical thinking and public speaking skills.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Rhetoric, Education, Philosophy, or related field

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Benefits/Perks

• Daily Mass and spiritual enrichment as part of a faithful school community
• Joyful and mission-centered school culture
• Competitive compensation
• Professional development opportunities through the Chesterton Schools Network
• A unique opportunity to shape a growing school’s arts and drama program from the ground up

Job Summary

Chesterton Academy of The Divine Family, a joyfully Catholic, classical high school in the Chesterton Schools Network, seeks a passionate and mission-driven Debate Teacher for the 2025–2026 school year.

The Debate Teacher will guide students in the art of logical reasoning, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation within a classical framework that upholds Catholic values. The teacher will cultivate a classroom culture grounded in intellectual charity, respectful dialogue, and truth-seeking, while preparing students for both in-class debate and local or national competitions.

This position is ideal for someone who is excited to help build a culture of confidence, rhetorical excellence, and virtue in a new and growing Catholic school community.

Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum

• Deliver engaging and rigorous debate instruction rooted in classical rhetoric
• Introduce students to formal logic, rhetorical strategies, and structured debate formats
• Prepare students for in-class debates and, if applicable, external competitions or showcases
• Encourage respectful discourse, logical reasoning, and virtue in dialogue
• Provide clear feedback to help students grow in confidence and skill
  
  

Classroom Culture & Student Development

• Create a classroom environment that fosters joy, intellectual discipline, and Catholic identity
• Support students in developing critical thinking, leadership, and public speaking skills
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate debate themes into interdisciplinary learning where appropriate
• Serve as a mentor and example of Catholic character and academic integrity
  
  

School Life & Community Engagement

• Participate in faculty meetings, spiritual formation, and school-wide events
• Support student-led initiatives, clubs, or additional enrichment tied to debate and rhetoric
• Partner with parents and the school community to support student success and growth
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Rhetoric, Education, Philosophy, or a related field
• Prior teaching experience or experience coaching debate (preferred)
• Familiarity with classical education and the trivium (Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric)
• Strong public speaking, communication, and organizational skills
• Practicing Roman Catholic, joyfully faithful to the Magisterium, and willing to take the Oath of Fidelity
• A heart for formation, evangelization, and mentoring high school students