VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach

HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach in Lynchburg, Virginia. This role involves developing and supervising the speech program and mentoring students in public speaking and forensics competitions. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in communication or related fields, along with leadership and organizational skills. This full-time position requires evening and weekend availability for training and competitions, aligning with the school's goals for academic and competitive excellence.

Qualifications

• Understanding of VHSL forensics rules and procedures.
• Prior experience in speech, debate, or forensics coaching preferred.
• Evening and weekend availability required for competitions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, organize, and supervise the high school speech program.
• Train and mentor students in VHSL-sanctioned forensics categories.
• Prepare students for competitions through feedback and coaching.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Mentoring capabilities

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred (English, Communications, Theater, Education)

Job description

VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach

Job Details

• Job ID: 5342753
• Application Deadline: Posted until filled
• Posted: Aug 19, 2025 4:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Title: VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach

Department: Heritage High School

Salary Grade: Level 9

FLSA Status: Exempt

Site/Location: Heritage High School

Reports to: Athletic Director

Date: 08/19/2025

Position Summary: The Speech Coach is responsible for developing, organizing, and supervising the high school speech (forensics) program in accordance with Virginia High School League (VHSL) guidelines. The coach will foster student growth in public speaking, interpretation, argumentation, and performance while promoting a positive team culture, academic excellence, and competitive success. This is a stipend position based on district salary scales for extracurricular coaching roles.

Essential Functions

• Recruit, train, and mentor students in VHSL-sanctioned forensics categories (e.g., Original Oratory, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Duo, Extemporaneous Speaking, etc.).
• Organize and lead regular practice sessions focused on writing, editing, performance, and delivery.
• Prepare students for competition by providing feedback, coaching techniques, and performance strategies.
• Attend VHSL forensics tournaments (invitational, regional, super-regional, and state levels), acting as a chaperone and team leader.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of VHSL rules, category guidelines, and scoring rubrics.
• Communicate with students, parents, and school administration regarding schedules, expectations, and competition logistics.
• Collaborate with school faculty and staff to support student academic success.
• Handle administrative duties such as registering students for tournaments, arranging transportation, and submitting required documentation.

Lynchburg City Schools Competencies

Personal Competencies

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Ethical
• Equity Minded
• Emotional Intelligence
• Cultural Competence
• Safety
• Quality

Leadership Competencies

• Models Excellent Customer Service
• Thinks Strategically
• Shows Initiative
• Acts Decisively
• Communicates Effectively
• Works Collaboratively
• Resolves Conflict Proactively

Functional Competencies

• Technical Capabilities
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis and Management
• Fiscal Planning and Management
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, especially in English, Communications, Theater, or Education.
• Prior experience in speech, debate, or forensics competition or coaching is highly preferred.
• Evening and weekend availability is required for competitions and some practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of VHSL forensics rules and procedures (training available if needed).
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor high school students.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Travel Requirements

• Minimal travel may be required to and/or from sporting events within neighboring localities.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently stand; sit; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, type, or feel; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

LCS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

Job Status

Job Status: OPEN

Salary: Please refer to LCS Employee Pay Scales found here: https://www.lcsedu.net/departments/personnel/employee-pay-scales.

Days: START DATE: 2025-2026

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Lakrisha Scott
• 915 Court St
• Lynchburg, Virginia 24504
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

Map

915 Court St, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504