Head Debate Coach

University School of Nashville

Head Debate Coach

August 2026

University School of Nashville seeks a dynamic and highly motivated High School Debate Coach for the upcoming school year. Ideal coaching candidates must have experience at the high school and/or college level. Previous coaching experience is preferred but not required. This position will work with an Assistant Debate Coach who is in-person therefore this role can be in-person or online. This is a paid, part-time position, reporting to the Head of High School.

Responsibilities:

• Meets with students, in-person or through video conference, to practice extemporaneous speaking, original oratory, student congress, debate, research, strategize, and prepare for contests.
• Encourages student participation in the activities program.
• Enforces participation rules of Field Trip and Student Travel Guidelines of USN, school policies and debate team policies. Communicates policies and procedures to students and parents.
• Schedules contests in accordance with the school calendar along with city, state, and regional debate schedules.
• Supervises qualifiers at tournaments.
• Works with Dean of Student life to budgets, arrange transportation, secure hotel rooms, hire judges, submit entries, post schedules, dismiss students following attendance procedures, and publicize for interscholastic contests in accordance with school policy and procedures.
• Hosts invitational contests and/or assists with contests hosted at other schools.
• Coordinates scheduling with oral interpretation program.
• Maintains a safe environment at practices, contests and student travel.
• Orders supplies, purchases resources and maintains equipment.
• Judges Debate contests as needed.
• Cooperates with media, parents and interested spectators.
• Meets with and communicates to HS Dean of Student Life on all items of travel, budget, standards, calendar, and schedules.

The School

University School of Nashville is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational day school with enrollment of 1,075 students kindergarten through twelfth grade.  In 1915, the George Peabody College for Teachers opened Peabody Demonstration School (PDS), USN’s predecessor, which earned acclaim for its curriculum and faculty. In 1974, Peabody College announced plans to close PDS, and a group of parents, alumni, students, and teachers reconstituted and re-chartered the school as University School of Nashville. 

USN’s midtown location adjacent to Vanderbilt University and its Peabody College for Teachers reminds us each day of our beginnings 110 years ago in the demonstration school culture of innovation and educational best practices. It’s a vibrant academic community for both students and teachers in the midst of a dynamic city.

In the USN community, students expect much of each other, and the faculty benefits from that high standard. We seek educators who are enthusiastic about their learning to complement their teaching, and we offer many opportunities for professional growth. USN is committed to creating an institutional environment that mirrors the cultural and ethnic composition of greater Nashville. USN encourages a diverse applicant pool and provides equal employment opportunities for employees and job applicants. 

Application Process

Those interested in being considered for this position should complete the online application for this position available at www.usn.org/jobs. 

Visit www.usn.org for more information. 

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent recommended but not required

Experience and Competencies:

• Previous participation experience required
• Previous coaching experience recommended