Job Title: Tournament Coach – Policy Debate
Compensation: Based on tournament attendance, see details below
H Stipend ($3,649 base) (1 available)
Paid in 3 installments in November, February, and May.
Payments may be prorated to align with hours completed.
Supervisors: Head Coaches and Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Starting Date: August 2026
Overview
The Tournament Coach will coach and supervise New Trier Speech and Debate students and serve as a judge at local, regional, or national tournaments. There is frequently travel involved. Tournaments usually occur on weekends and can run 1 to 4 days. Tournament Coaches coordinate their individual schedules with the Head Coach to balance personal and professional schedules.
Qualifications
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Experience in Speech and Debate competition.
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An understanding of tournament procedure and protocol.
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Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with peers and supervisors.
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A valid driver’s license.
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Previous coaching/mentoring job experience is preferred.
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A background in research and evidence production for debate argumentation is preferred.
Job Responsibilities
General
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Work with the Head Coaches of the Speech and Debate program to supervise, mentor, and guide students as they develop their debate abilities.
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Contribute feedback to students and coaches regarding debate performance, argumentation, and overall conduct.
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Support appropriate student behavior as outlined in the Student Guidebook.
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Provide research material, evidence, and arguments for student use as assigned by the Head Coaches.
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Engage in professional communication with students to critique, refine, and comment on student work.
Coaching
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Guide and develop student growth in the areas of argument construction, research, delivery, and strategic thinking.
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Observe New Trier students while in competitive forums.
Tournament Attendance
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Attend local, regional, and national tournaments to coach and judge on behalf of New Trier Speech and Debate.
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The H stipend expectation is a minimum of 16 tournament days.
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All Coaches:
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Drive tournament vehicles or chaperone student transportation as assigned.
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Fulfill the judging requirements at tournaments for New Trier Speech and Debate as assigned.
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If students qualify for a national championship (defined as the Grand National Catholic Forensic League Tournament, National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament, and/or the Tournament of Champions) it is expected that the Assistant Coach will attend.
