Mock Trial Assistant Advisor

Marple Newtown School District; Marple Township (PA); On-site; USD 603,388 - 702,576; Full time

Job summary

Marple Newtown High School seeks a Mock Trial Assistant Advisor to guide students through legal advocacy, supervise practices and competitions, and coordinate scheduling for events in the PA Mock Trial program.

The role requires a PA teaching certificate and the ability to mentor students in critical thinking and public speaking. Approx. 12+ students participate; yearly activities run Sep–Feb with monthly meetings.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the legal and court systems.
• Ability to guide and mentor students in critical thinking, public speaking, and legal advocacy.
• Valid PA teaching certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in helping students understand the legal system and present both plaintiff and defense perspectives in mock trials.
• Supervise students during practices and competitions.
• Assist with scheduling activities for practices and competitions.
• Attend and supervise students at scheduled events.
• Assist in the selection process for Mock Trial teams.
• Maintain positive relationships with local judges, attorneys, and other coaches to foster a Mock Trial culture.
• Perform related duties to ensure smooth operation of the club.
• Adhere to MNSD policies and assigned duties by Mock Trial Advisor/Administration.
• Read and understand obligations outlined in school board policies.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Mentoring

Public speaking coaching

Education

PA teaching certificate

Job description

Mock Trial Assistant Advisor

Location: Marple Newtown High School

Number of Units: 2

Number of Positions: 1

Job Description

The PA Bar Association/Young Lawyers Division Mock Trial Competition gives more than 300 high school student teams from across the state the opportunity to act as lawyers and witnesses in simulated civil and criminal trials before actual judges and panels of juries.

Essential Functions

• Assists in facilitating students' understanding of the legal system so they can present both the plaintiff and defense sides in a court of law.
• Assists in the supervision of students during practices and competitions.
• Assists with scheduling activities to arrange practices and competitions.
• Attends and supervises students at scheduled events.
• Assists in the selection process for the Mock Trial teams.
• Maintains positive relationships with local judges, attorneys and other school coaches to build a Mock Trial culture.
• Performs other related duties to ensure the efficient functioning of the club.
• Other duties as assigned by Mock Trial Advisor and/or Administration.
• Has read and understands obligations outlined in MNSD School Board Policies.

Qualifications

• Experience: Knowledge of the legal and court systems.
• Skills: Ability to guide and mentor students as they develop critical thinking, public speaking, and legal advocacy skills through simulated courtroom experiences.
• Education: Valid PA teaching certificate.

Additional Information

• Effective School Year: 2026‑2027.
• Frequency of meetings: September – February; once per month for 30 minutes.
• Approximate number of students enrolled: Approximately 12+ students.
• Clearances: In accordance with the school code, Act 24 and all related clearances.
• Contract Unit Values 2026‑2027: 1‑2 years experience – $438.00; 3‑5 years experience – $475.00; 6+ years experience – $510.00.

Accommodations

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 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.