HS Head Debate Coach - North

TITLE: HS Head Debate Coach

POSTION TYPE: INST

STIPEND AMOUNT: $5006.00

HIRING SPECIFICATIONS: 

Required:

1. Experience as a speech and/or debateinstructor/participant.
2. Knowledgeable in the areas of performance, research and competitive strategy.
3. College degree in related field (Associate Degree minimum)
4. Valid driver’s license.
5. The ability to drive students to competition sites as required. 

Desired:

1. Experience as a debate and/or speech coach
2. Bachelor’s Degree or higher in field of communications (journalism, communication, law, rhetorical studies, discourse, writing or creative writing).

BASIC FUNCTION:

This position is responsible for teaching students the four forms of debate and various forms of speech, including the theories and skills underlying the various competition events. They will build and lead a team of students through regular speech and debate contest, schedule all practices and coordinate travel arrangements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Teach students the four forms of debate; including the theories and skills underlying the various competition events.
2. Meet with students on a regular basis.
3. Submit annual activity plan to activities office by October 1st. Submission of plan will be required before the initial stipend payment is paid. (Activity plan templates will be available)
4. Stay informed on rules, procedures and judging standards for debate events.
5. Foster skills in research, organization and filing of evidence for building cases.
6. Obtain necessary permission, insurance and school participation forms and fees from students.
7. Set practice/behavior standards required for students to enter tournaments.
8. Book tournament travel arrangements, including transportation and lodging.
9. Coordinate student and judge entry, and supervise and judge at weekend and evening tournaments.
10. Coordinate all-city middle school debate on-site.
11. Communicate regularly with parents through multiple mediums (email, text, Facebook, etc.).
12. Maintain open and ongoing communications with high school administration.
13. Submit reports (with student evidence) and activity checklists to building and district administration as requested.

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (for every DMPS position):

1. Attend work on a prompt and regular basis.

2. Maintain confidentiality.

3. Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with the public, students, and other employees.

4. Assist with other duties as may be assigned.

5. Attend district-wide meetings as requested.

DEPARTMENT: Activities Department

REPORTS TO: Athletics Director

EVALUATES: N/A 

BARGAINING GROUP: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

CALENDAR: Activity Season

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Standing, walking, computer usage

WORKING CONDITIONS: Inside

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.

All candidates offered a position will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check, and a child and adult abuse registry check.  Certain positions may require fingerprinting, a drug and alcohol test, a physical capacity test and/or a motor vehicle record check. 

Approved By: Lillie Noland

Date: 5/11/2026