Debate Team Coach

Marple Newtown School District; Marple Township (PA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Marple Newtown High School seeks a Debate Team Coach to lead a 20-student program, preparing teams for PHSSL tournaments and guiding persuasive, demonstrative, and informative speaking.

The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, the ability to work with students of varying abilities, and familiarity with Schoology and school‑based tools; it promotes an inclusive, equitable team culture.

Qualifications

• Experience with school-age students in speech or debate, fostering inclusive collaboration.
• Strong planning, organization, and communication abilities; familiarity with Schoology.
• Valid PA teaching certificate.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the speech and debate program for persuasive, demonstrative, and informative speaking.
• Coach and mentor students in public speaking, debate strategies, and research skills.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee PHSSL tournament participation and student preparation.
• Evaluate progress and provide constructive feedback to support growth.
• Promote an inclusive team culture with equitable participation.
• Collaborate with administration to align program goals with district policies.

Skills

Team leadership

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Familiarity with Schoology

Education

Valid PA teaching certificate

Job description

Debate Team Coach

Marple Newtown High School, Units: 4, Number of Positions: 1, Effective: 2026‑2027 School Year

The Debate Team Coach fosters a dedicated, inclusive academic program wherein students engage in public speaking forms, including persuasive, demonstrative, and informative speeches. The team participates in local Pennsylvania High School Speech League (PHSSL) tournaments, competing alongside schools to enhance speech and debate education.

Qualifications

• Experience working with school‑age students in speech and debate, establishing an academic environment of collaboration and inclusivity.
• Strong managerial, organizational, and communication skills; ability to work with students of varying abilities; familiarity with Schoology and web‑based tools.
• Valid PA teaching certificate.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement the speech and debate program, including preparing students for persuasive, demonstrative, and informative speaking events.
• Coach and mentor students in public speaking techniques, debate strategies, research skills, and effective communication to foster both skill development and confidence.
• Plan and oversee team participation in PHSSL tournaments, including coordinating schedules, registration, transportation (if applicable), and student preparation for competitions.
• Evaluate student progress and provide feedback, promoting continuous improvement and recognition of achievements in both individual and team contexts.
• Promote a positive, inclusive team culture, ensuring all students have equitable opportunities to participate and grow academically, socially, and competitively.
• Collaborate with administration and faculty to align program goals with school policies and support student academic success.
• Has read and understands obligations as outlined in MNSD School Board Policies.
• Other duties as assigned by Administration.

Additional Information

• Frequency of meetings: September – June; after school, throughout the school year.
• Approximate number of students enrolled: Approximately 20.
• Clearances: In accordance with the school code, Act 24 and all related clearances.
• Contact: Marple Newtown School District, 36 Media Line Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073, Phone: 610‑359‑4380, Fax: 610‑356‑8947, [e-mail].

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit an online application. The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the MNSD Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.

Equal‑Employment‑Opportunity Statement

The Marple Newtown School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, ancestry, disability, or other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Inquiries may be directed to Human Resources at 610‑359‑4361.