Speech and Debate Teacher

Pike School • Andover, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• at least 3 years of classroom teaching experience, ideally at the middle school level.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Education, Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Proven track record in public speaking and debate (as a coach or competitor)
• a "builder" mindset
• the ability to inspire middle-school-aged students to embrace the vulnerability of public speaking.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level