Speech and Debate Program Coordinator

The Pike School

Title: Speech and Debate Program Coordinator

Position Type: Full-Time 

Reports to: Head of Upper School 

Position Overview

Working at Pike means immersing yourself in a student-centered culture and a compassionate, diverse community. Opportunities for strategic thinking, innovation, and learning are plentiful.

A Pike education ignites a lifelong journey of discovery. We ground our work in building connection, inspiring curiosity, and cultivating the learning and growth of each of our students. A Pike education liberates human potential and possibility to transform ourselves and our world and is rooted in our motto, Non Sibi Solum. We value: 

• Authenticity: We embrace the identities of every person.
• Intellectual Ambition: We foster curiosity, inquiry, engagement, and initiative in learning.
• Social Good: We care for ourselves, for one another, and for our community.

At Pike, we believe we are building a brighter future. If you are driven, motivated, and committed to making a meaningful impact for all children, we invite you to take a closer look at Pike. The Pike School, an independent elementary school in Andover, MA, serves approximately 415 students in grades pre-kindergarten through nine.

The Pike School culture embraces lifelong learning, which includes constant reflection on and evaluation of practices, materials, and pedagogy. Ideal candidates will approach teaching and learning with student needs in mind, be on the forefront of best practices in education, and serve as a leader within the community. Collaboration and effective communication are essential skills for this position, as are a sense of humor and joy for working with students in this age group, and passion for the subject matter and skills included. 

The Pike School is seeking a visionary and collaborative Speech & Debate Program Coordinator. This is an exciting growth opportunity for an educator who believes in the power of developing strong communication and presentation skills and finding and using one's voice. Developing the ability to be a strong public speaker, construct a sound argument, and engage in civil discourse with curiosity and compassion are fundamental. 

For the upcoming school year, this role is an 80/20 split: classroom teaching and dedicated program design. The successful candidate will work toward the ultimate goal of an intentional schoolwide program that develops speech and debate skills. This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with division heads and faculty to shape the program’s identity as a signature program at Pike.

Core Responsibilities

Classroom Teaching (80%)

• Teach middle school speech and debate courses, currently for grades 7-8.
• Create a high-trust classroom environment where students feel safe taking intellectual risks.
• Provide meaningful, growth-oriented feedback that helps students refine their logic, evidence-based argumentation and delivery/presentation.

Program Design & Implementation (20%)

• Over the next 3–4 years, lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive, school-wide roadmap for communication and debate skills, ensuring a seamless transition from foundational oral expression in the Lower School (grades PK-4) to advanced public speaking, presentation and storytelling for impact in the Upper School (grades 5-9).
• Partner with faculty to identify opportunities to deepen and integrate public speaking skills into existing curricula. This includes helping teachers design age-appropriate public speaking presentations and "mini-debates" or persuasive speaking work that aligns with Pike’s Portrait of a Graduate.
• Organize on-campus showcases, including things like "Pike Talks," and opportunities to celebrate student voice and integrate public speaking into the broader school culture.
• Oversee and coordinate the Pike Speech Team as the Head Coach. This includes managing tournament logistics, training and supporting coaches, and cultivating a team culture.

Desired Qualities and Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Proven track record in public speaking and debate (as a coach or competitor) and at least 3 years of classroom teaching experience, ideally at the middle school level.
• Exceptional organizational abilities; a "builder" mindset; and the ability to inspire middle-school-aged students to embrace the vulnerability of public speaking.
• High emotional intelligence and sensitivity to organizational dynamics; exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Desire to work in a dynamic independent school as a team player and devoting the time required to model excellence in job performance. 
• Commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and Pike’s values of equity and belonging.