EdPost

Debate Coach

Organizational Description

Community School of Excellence (CSE) is a Pre-Kindergarten to 12th  grade Hmong Language and Culture Charter school that is a family. Our schools offer an environment where students feel safe, welcomed, and cared for while learning and preparing for their future. We believe in academic success for all students. We are a PBIS school that focuses on positivity. We continuously learn about and celebrate each other’s cultures, languages, and achievements while providing a world-class education through a safe and innovative environment that fosters inquiring, critical thinking, knowledgeable, and compassionate students who embrace the Hmong culture and celebrate intercultural understanding and respect.

Culture of Learning

CSE believes that every scholar has the right to learn, be engaged, and grow in a healthy school environment. We embrace every scholar’s strengths and explore ways to strengthen our relationships with our scholars and their families. CSE is committed to building collaborative leadership and effective capacity between and among staff, parents, and scholars. All CSE employees must share, understand, and implement a culture of learning at all levels of the organization. Our consistent focus on a culture of learning is paramount to the growth and success of our students. CSE seeks individuals who will optimistically and confidently abide by this culture of learning. 

The core values that drive this new culture of learning are:

1. Aiming for High Academic Achievement

2. Embracing Cultural Pride and Identity

3. Modeling the Excellent Way of respect, responsibility, and reflection. 

4. Implementing Data Driven Decisions

5. Having High Expectations

6. Creating a safe Social-Emotional Learning Environment

Job Summary

The primary role of a Debate Coach is to coordinate, organize, and promote a comprehensive  program designed to meet the needs and interests of the school; to provide effective leadership that will enhance the learning environment for students by providing effective, personalized attention; engaging in appropriate instructional and behavioral support; and, modeling “The Excellent Way” with respect, responsibility, and being reflective. The Community School extended learning programs are designed to offer our students the opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities that complement and integrate the school’s mission.

The Debate Coach is responsible for organizing, training, and leading the school’s debate team. This position provides students with a structured environment to develop critical thinking, public speaking, research, and argumentation skills. The coach will guide students through preparation, competition, and reflection to ensure a positive and educational experience aligned with school goals and competition standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Plan, organize, and supervise all aspects of the debate program.

• Recruit, select, and mentor team members.

• Develop a competition schedule in coordination with the Director of Athletics and Extended Learning Program.

• Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and administration.

Instruction & Training

• Teach fundamentals of debate, including argument construction, rebuttal techniques, cross-examination, and effective delivery.

• Instruct students in research methods, case development, and ethical practices.

• Conduct regular practices focusing on skill-building, mock debates, and feedback.

• Prepare students for participation in various formats (e.g., Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, Public Forum, Congressional Debate).
  
  

Competition Management

• Register teams for tournaments and ensure compliance with all governing body rules (e.g., MSHSL, NSDA).

• Supervise students during travel, competitions, and related activities.

• Provide constructive feedback and performance analysis after each event.

• Coordinate logistics such as transportation, lodging (if applicable), and fees.

• support student academic success.
  
  

Professionalism

• Uphold school policies and competition ethics.

• Serve as a positive role model and mentor to students.

• Promote inclusivity, sportsmanship, and academic integrity.

• Attend professional development or coaches’ meetings as required.

Required Qualifications

• Prior experience in debate coaching, competition, or related academic programs preferred.

• Strong knowledge of debate formats, rules, and scoring systems.

• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.

• Ability to motivate and mentor students from diverse backgrounds.

• Must pass a background check and meet district employment standards.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to student and other information as required by FERPA

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Adherence to Community School of Excellence policies and procedures

• Current Adult/Pediatric First Aid with CPR/AED certification or willingness to obtain