Middle School Head Debate Coach

The Dalton School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 138,000; Part time

Job summary

The Dalton School in Manhattan’s Upper East Side seeks a Head Debate Coach for the 7th and 8th grade Debate team as the Middle School program expands. Reporting to the Director of Auxiliary Programs, the ideal candidate will have experience coaching middle school students in a competitive setting and will foster a culture where inexperienced students are welcomed but pushed to excel.

The position starts in late August/early September 2026 and requires developing practice plans, organizing

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s Degree preferred).
• Experience coaching or teaching Middle School Debate; ESU NY Debate League a plus.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Able to work productively and collaboratively with a diverse faculty and student body to support our students.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the Middle School Debate program.
• Work with other Debate Coaches to foster a healthy and supportive team environment.
• Develop and execute practice plans for weekly meetings, including overseeing assistant coaches and High School volunteers.
• Organize weekend debate trips, including overseeing logistics, transportation, and securing chaperones.
• Chaperone and coach students at debate tournaments.
• Collaborate with the Middle School Administration to provide students individualized help and support, including maintaining consistent behavioral expectations.
• Communicate regularly with team members and parents.

Skills

Middle School Debate coaching

Organizational skills

Collaborative teamwork

ESU NY Debate League experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Job description

Salary Range:$80/hour - $100/hour. Placement in the range is commensurate with experience.

Exemption Status:Non-Exempt

The Dalton School, a progressive K-12 gender-inclusive school in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is consistently recognized as one of the preeminent independent day schools in the nation. Known for its child-centered approach and an exceptional, inspiring faculty, Dalton enrolls over 1,300 students with approximately 350 faculty and staff. Guided by the Dalton Plan, the foundation of a Dalton education, our faculty meets each student’s evolving needs, interests, and abilities. Dalton challenges each student to develop intellectual independence, creativity, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility toward others both within the School and in the broader community.

We are seeking a Head Debate Coach for our 7th and 8th grade Debate team as we expand the Middle School Debate program. Reporting to the Director of Auxiliary Programs, the ideal candidate will have experience working with Middle School age children in a competitive Debate setting and will be committed to nurturing a culture where inexperienced students are welcomed but each student is pushed to excel. The position will start in late August/early September of 2026.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the Middle School Debate program.
• Work with other Debate Coaches to foster a healthy and supportive team environment.
• Develop and execute practice plans for weekly meetings, including overseeing assistant coaches and High School volunteers.
• Organize weekend debate trips, including overseeing logistics, transportation, and securing chaperones.
• Chaperone and coach students at debate tournaments.
• Collaborate with the Middle School Administration to provide students individualized help and support, including maintaining consistent behavioral expectations.
• Communicate regularly with team members and parents.

Expected Hours

• Weekly debate practice (~3 hours, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM every Wednesday afternoon).
• Prep work with Middle school debate staff (~2 hour per week, flexible).
• Meetings with the Middle School Administration (as needed) in support of our students.
• Debate tournaments (one full Saturday in October, November, December, January, March, and April - all within NYC).
• Additional hours are available for assisting with High School Debate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (Bachelor’s Degree preferred).
• Experience coaching or teaching Middle School Debate; specific experience with the English-Speaking Union New York Debate League a plus.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work productively and collaboratively with a diverse faculty and student body in support of our students.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the US without needing sponsorship.

The Dalton School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law in the administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs.