Debate Team Assistant Coach

Niles Township High Schools District 219; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 3,000 - 6,000; Part time

Job summary

Niles Township High Schools District 219 in Chicago, IL, seeks an Assistant Debate Coach to support a competitive and inclusive high school debate program. The role involves guiding students through research, case writing, and argument development, and providing feedback on speeches and strategy.

Responsibilities include practicing facilitation, tournament prep, judging when needed, and collaborating with the Head Coach on curriculum and logistics, with after-school practices and weekend

Qualifications

• Assist in planning and facilitating team practices.
• Support students in research, case writing, and argument development.
• Provide feedback on speeches, cross-examination, and debate strategy.
• Work with novice, junior varsity, and/or varsity debaters.
• Attend and support students at tournaments (evenings and weekends).
• Help foster a positive, inclusive, and academically focused team culture.
• Collaborate with the Head Coach on curriculum, logistics, and team communication.
• Assist with tournament registration and judging coordination.
• Serve as a judge at competitions as needed.

Responsibilities

• Organize practice sessions and skill-building activities.
• Assist with research and development of case materials.
• Provide constructive critique of performances.
• Support multiple debate formats and teams.
• Represent the program at tournaments and events.

Skills

Plan practices

Research support

Speech feedback

Mentoring debaters

Tournament support

Team culture

Curriculum coordination

Tournament registration

Judging at competitions

Debate experience

Education/communications/law

Communication

Diversity/inclusion

Willingness to learn

Student growth

Teamwork

Adaptability

Critical thinking

Passion for debate

Job description

REPORTS TO: Director of Social Studies

POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Assistant Debate Coach supports the development of a competitive and inclusive high school debate program. This role includes working with students of varying experience levels, helping them build research, argumentation, and public speaking skills. Candidates may have experience in Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate, or a strong interest in learning debate formats and coaching strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Assist in planning and facilitating team practices, workshops, and skill-building sessions
• Support students in research, case writing, and argument development
• Provide feedback on speeches, cross-examination, and debate strategy
• Work with novice, junior varsity, and/or varsity debaters
• Attend and support students at tournaments (evenings and weekends required)
• Help foster a positive, inclusive, and academically focused team culture
• Collaborate with the Head Coach on curriculum, logistics, and team communication
• Assist with program organization, including tournament registration and judging coordination
• Serve as a judge at competitions as needed

Preferred Skills

• Experience in high school or collegiate debate (Policy, Public Forum, or related formats) OR
• Background in education, communication, law, or a related field with an interest in debate coaching
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students
• Willingness to learn debate formats, judging paradigms, and coaching techniques
• Commitment to student growth and skill development
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset
• Adaptability and willingness to support multiple debate formats
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Enthusiasm for speech and debate activities

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Season runs from mid-August to mid-April, with additional preparation as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The position requires physical activity including lifting, carrying, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and use of fine motor skills. Work is performed indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to temperature extremes and potential safety hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.).

REQUIRED EVENTS/COMPETITIONS: 8 competitions per semester

HOURS PER WEEK: Availability for after-school practices and weekend tournaments, 2 Practices per week, 5 hours of asynchronous work per week

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Niles Township High Schools District 219 is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of District 219 to decide all matters relating to employment solely on the basis of the applicants ability to perform the essential functions of the position. District 219 ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, religion, age, or handicap.