| VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach |
| GENERAL INFORMATION |
| 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.
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| LYNCHBURG CITY SCHOOLS COMPETENCIES |
Personal Competencies
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Ethical
- Equity Minded
- Emotional Intelligence
- Cultural Competence
- Safety
- Quality
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Leadership Competencies
- Models Excellent Customer Service
- Thinks Strategically
- Shows Initiative
- Acts Decisively
- Communicates Effectively
- Works Collaboratively
- Resolves Conflict Proactively
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Functional Competencies
- Technical Capabilities
- Computer Literacy
- Data Analysis and Management
- Fiscal Planning and Management
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY |
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| TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS |
- Minimal travel may be required to and/or from sporting events within neigboring localities.
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| 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: |
OPEN |
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| SALARY: |
Please refer to LCS Employee Pay Scales found here: https://www.lcsedu.net/departments/personnel/employee-pay-scales. |
| DAYS: |
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| START DATE: |
2025-2026 |
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