Speech and Debate Coach

Navajo Preparatory School; Farmington (NM); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel to tournaments

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Navajo Preparatory School is seeking a coach for public speaking and debate to develop students' argumentation, research, delivery and competition skills. The role focuses on mentoring, practice sessions and feedback to build confidence and critical thinking.

Responsibilities include teaching debated formats, managing registrations, travel logistics, and promoting the program across the school while maintaining accurate participation records and a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Prefer certified teacher with Navajo/Indigenous preference noted.
• Experience in athletic activity supervision is valued.
• Willing to devote substantial time to students and the sport.
• Strong oral, nonverbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design engaging practice sessions emphasizing thinking, public speaking and writing.
• Coach debates in Policy and Public Forum formats and speech events.
• Provide instruction in research methods, argument structure and presentation.
• Prepare students for local, regional and national tournaments.
• Manage tournament registrations, invoicing and receipts for dues.
• Travel with team to tournaments and provide supervision and logistics.
• Promote the program within the school and encourage student participation.
• Oversee budget for the program including travel and materials.
• Maintain records of participation and competition results.

Skills

Public speaking

Debate coaching

Teaching

Communication

Mentoring

Interpersonal skills

Education

Certified teacher

Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Coaching students in public speaking and debate skills. Preparing students for competitive tournaments and teaching argumentation techniques, research methods, delivery styles and proper competition rules, while fostering critical thinking and communication abilities through practice sessions, feedback and mentorship.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Coaching students in public speaking and debate skills. Preparing students for competitive tournaments and teaching argumentation techniques, research methods, delivery styles and proper competition rules, while fostering critical thinking and communication abilities through practice sessions, feedback and mentorship.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Prefer certified teacher (NPS, Inc. staff given preference).
• Experience and/or education in the athletic activity that is being supervised.
• Must be willing to devote a large amount of time to students and the sport involved.
• Must be sensitive, firm, insightful, adaptable, consistent and flexible.
• A strong emphasis is placed on all forms of human relations and communication skills oral, nonverbal, and written.
• Ability to speak Navajo is preferred.
• A valid driver's license with a safe driving record.

Navajo/Indian Preference

Consideration for employment will be given to Navajo, American Indian or Alaskan Tribal member with the required documentation including the necessary qualifications to meet the minimum requirements of the position. The Navajo/Indian preference law shall apply in all aspects of the position.

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

The position is paid at a coaching salary rate and payable in two (2) installments during the term of the supplemental contract.

Note:

Notwithstanding the above, this position is subject to possible furlough, or reduction in force under NPS, Inc. Personnel Policies; due to unforeseen reductions in program funding that requires such general program changes.

SUPERVISOR

Primary: Athletic Director, Head Coach

Responsibilities And Duties

• Design and implement engaging practice sessions that emphasize critical thinking, public speaking, research and persuasive writing.
• Teach students various formats of debate (Policy, Public Forum) and speech events (such as Original Oratory, Dramatic Interpretation).
• Provide instruction in research methods, argument structure, evidence analysis, and effective presentation skills.
• Coach students individually and in groups to prepare for local, regional and national speech and debate tournaments.
• Manage online registration for each tournament and provide invoices and receipts to NPS to ensure prompt payment for dues, registration fees, etc.
• Assist student in developing and refining their competitive pieces, conducting practice rounds, and analyzing performance.
• Travel with the team to tournaments as required, providing supervision, guidance and logistical support.
• Promote the speech and debate program within the school community and encourage student participation
• Oversee the budget for the program, including registration fees, travel expenses and materials.
• Foster a supportive and positive environment that encourages teamwork, respect, and constructive feedback
• Monitor and evaluate each student's progress, providing regular feedback and strategies for improvement
• Support students' social-emotional growth, helping them develop confidence, resilience and effective communication skills.
• Maintain accurate records of student participation, competition results, and other relevant data for program assessment.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, and school administration about program goals, student progress, and upcoming events.
• Attend relevant school meetings and contribute to the school's mission by supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Attend the fall and spring New Mexico Speech and Debate Association coaches' meetings.
• Recruit adults to serve as judges at each tournament

EVALUATION

Will be evaluated in accordance with the Navajo Preparatory School Board, Inc. policies and procedures.

Background check required as a condition of employment.