2026-2027 - Upper School - Head Coach of Speech and Debate

Isidore Newman School•New Orleans, LA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Isidore Newman School seeks a scholarly, dynamic, intellectually curious, and mission-aligned Head Coach of Speech & Debate for the 2026–2027 academic year. The Head Coach will lead and further develop a nationally competitive, student-centered program that values intellectual rigor, civil discourse, ethical leadership, and meaningful student growth. The Isidore Newman Speech & Debate Team is a comprehensive program serving Upper School students in grades 9–12 across a wide range of competitive events, including Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Policy Debate, World Schools Debate, Public Forum Debate, Interpretation Events, Platform Events, and Limited Preparation Events. The Head Coach of Speech & Debate will provide strategic vision and day-to-day leadership for all aspects of the program. Responsibilities include mentoring assistant coaches, designing and overseeing practices, providing individualized coaching and constructive feedback to students, coordinating tournament travel and logistics, attending overnight and day trips to tournaments, managing budgets and communications, serving as a liaison between parents and the school, and cultivating a team culture grounded in the school's Mission and Core Values.

Requirements

A strong background in competitive Speech & Debate at the local, regional, and national levels, with particular expertise in Cross-Examination (Policy) Debate and/or Lincoln-Douglas Debate preferred.
A commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with students while maintaining high expectations for preparation, conduct, intellectual engagement, and competitive excellence.
Cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and respect for diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences.
A collaborative and innovative professional orientation, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty colleagues, and school leadership.
A student-centered educational philosophy aligned with Newman's motto that "We learn to do by doing."
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, along with the judgment, flexibility, and professionalism necessary to lead a complex and evolving program.
A positive sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, and the energy to contribute meaningfully to the life of the school community.

Responsibilities

Providing strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of the Upper School Speech & Debate program.
Teaching up to three sections, including yearlong courses and/or semester electives related to debate, public speaking, English, History or communication.
Designing and leading structured weekly practices that support students across multiple events and varying levels of experience.
Collaborating closely with assistant coaches to develop curriculum, research expectations, skill-building drills, tournament preparation, and long-term student development.
Recruiting and mentoring assistant coaches and other program personnel.
Traveling extensively with students to regional and national tournaments, including providing on-site coaching, judging, supervision, and chaperoning responsibilities while ensuring student safety, professionalism, and adherence to school policies.
Supporting student participation at qualifying tournaments and championship events, including Districts, State, and National competitions.
Providing individualized coaching and mentorship to students through one-on-one conferences, small-group instruction, feedback sessions, and research support.
Managing program logistics, communication, scheduling, and tournament coordination in partnership with students, families, and school administrators.
Cultivating a program culture rooted in intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, collaboration, resilience, inclusivity, and respect for civil discourse.
Serving as a positive, collaborative, and mission-aligned member of the Newman community who contributes broadly to the life and culture of the school.
Serving as an Upper School advisor.