Job Description
Are you passionate about developing students’ voices, critical thinking, and confidence through the lens of competitive debate ? The Meadows School is seeking an engaging, knowledgeable, and student-centered Debate Coach to join our community. This role is instrumental in fostering students’ skills in argumentation, research, and communication while supporting their growth as thoughtful, articulate individuals. The Meadows offers a nationally competitive full service debate program with a focus on Lincoln Douglas and Policy debate.
At The Meadows School, we believe that research, communication and critical thinking skills are essential to student success. Our Debate Coach plays a key role in helping students develop these abilities while contributing to a vibrant, intellectually curious school culture. Located on our beautiful 40-acre campus in Summerlin, Nevada, The Meadows School serves approximately 1,000 students from PreK through 12th grade and is known for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and a supportive community. As part of our extracurricular and academic programs, you will help create an environment where students feel empowered to express ideas, engage in civil discourse, and challenge themselves intellectually.A successful candidate will possess success coaching experience at the national level in either policy of Lincoln Douglas debate. The Meadows School’s debate program holds a curricular space within the school day and is supported with two full time faculty members and a part time coaching assistant. The team travels a regional and national schedule.
What You'll Do:
As the Debate Coach, you will lead and support students in developing debate skills while collaborating with faculty and administrators:
Coach and Develop Students: Teach the fundamentals of debate, including argument construction, research methods, refutation, and public speaking skills
Lead Practices and Competitions: Organize and lead regular team practices, prepare students for tournaments, and coach students during competitions
Foster Critical Thinking: Help students analyze complex topics, evaluate evidence, and engage in thoughtful, respectful discourse
Build a Strong Program: Recruit and mentor students, help grow the debate program, and create a culture of commitment, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity including a commitment to national competition success
Collaborate with the School Community: Communicate with students, families, and school personnel to support student participation and success
What We’re Looking For:
The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable educator or coach who is passionate about debate and student development. This person values building relationships, fostering confidence, and helping students develop their voice in a supportive and challenging environment:
• Master’s degree required; degree in Communications, English, Political Science, or related field preferred
• Experience in debate (e.g., policy, Lincoln-Douglas, policy debate) and/or coaching debate students
• Strong understanding of argumentation, research, and public speaking techniques
• Ability to mentor students with varying levels of experience
• Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and intellectually engaging team culture
• Commitment to collaboration and student-centered practice
• Willingness to travel and supervise students for competition.
Why Join The Meadows School?
At The Meadows School, we believe that activities like debate help students develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Our Debate Coach plays a vital role in shaping students’ ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. In this role, you will join a collaborative, mission-driven community that values intellectual curiosity, excellence, and student growth.