Head Debate Coach

St. Luke’s School, a secular (non-religous), college-preparatory day school serving grades 5 through 12 in New Canaan, Connecticut, seeks a talented Head Debate Coach to direct our Upper and Middle School program. In this full-time faculty role, you will take the helm of a team whose climb in the state and national ranks over recent years has raised the bar on both skills and aspirations, and St. Luke’s is looking for an inspiring leader to continue that trajectory. Our program features older debaters who mentor and coach younger ones, a model that promotes the leadership skills we believe are fundamental to debate.

The St. Luke’s Debate program currently includes about 20 Upper School students and 15 Middle School students. The School competes in several leagues, including the American Debate League (ADL), and the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA). In recent years, the St. Luke’s Debate students at the Middle School and Upper School level qualified for the NSDA national tournament, and we have sent teams to the Tournament of Champions. 

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Run all Middle and Upper School debate practice sessions, Monday-Thursday, 3:00pm-4:30pm.
• Coach and judge debaters at all Upper School and Middle School tournaments, approximately 2 weekends/month from September-June, including several overnight trips out of state.
• Coordinate and communicate registration details for tournaments, travel logistics, and parent and faculty judges.
• Work with the Leadership Studies Department Chair to manage the Debate Team budget for tournament entry and travel.
• Hold a Class A endorsement on driver’s license and serve as the primary driver in SLS vehicles going to and from tournaments.
• Work closely with and mentor assistant coaches with limited background in debate. 
• Provide post-tournament photos and write-ups for SLS Communications.
• Teach at least 1 course (Speech & Debate) in the Upper School. 
• Teach 1 course in the English or History Department.
• Serve as an advisor or co-advisor for a group of 6 to 8 students.

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Strong knowledge of a variety of debate styles: Public Forum, Policy (CX), and Speech events.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including experience leading youth programs with a travel component
• An inspiring and nurturing leader and mentor, with demonstrated ability to recruit students and help them grow as speakers and debaters
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong cultural competency skills and a demonstrated commitment to furthering the creation of an equitable and inclusive school community that supports a deep sense of belonging
• Experience teaching academic content in a middle school, high school, or college setting

Located in New Canaan, Connecticut, St. Luke’s attracts families from over 35 towns throughout Connecticut and New York. A combination of challenging academics and truly exceptional community support distinguishes St. Luke’s and encourages our students to go above and beyond their own expectations. The school offers an inclusive environment where differences in race, culture, and personal beliefs are embraced as assets that enhance education. St. Luke’s prides itself on being a forward-thinking school where students hone their own distinct leadership skills - developing a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.

St. Luke’s School is an equal-opportunity employer. St. Luke’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by law with regard to hiring, terms and conditions of employment or educational programs. We strive to provide a welcoming educational environment where the value and dignity of every member is respected.