What are the responsibilities and job description for the [25-26] Middle School Teacher, Forensics & Debate position at Citizens of the World Charter Schools Kansas City?
Summary
The mission of CWC Kansas City is to provide an excellent public education focused on developing and demonstrating understanding while building connections within the school community.
We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Forensics and Debate Teacher to join our middle school faculty. This role is ideal for an educator who believes in the power of student voice, critical thinking, and persuasive communication. The ideal candidate will create an engaging and rigorous classroom environment where students build confidence, articulate ideas effectively, craft speech performance, and develop a strong sense of civic responsibility.
This role will be a 0.5 FTE and combined with another 0.5 FTE role for a 1.0 FTE position.
For more information on Citizens of the World Charter Schools – Kansas City, please visit www.cwckansascity.org.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Instruction & Curriculum Development
- Design and implement a standards-aligned curriculum in speech, debate, and competitive forensics.
- Teach foundational skills in argumentation, research, rhetoric, public speaking, and performance.
- Foster a classroom culture that promotes respectful discourse, collaboration, and critical analysis.
Team Leadership & Competition
- Serve as coach of the middle school forensics and debate team(s), preparing students for local, regional, and state competitions.
- Organize and chaperone student participation in tournaments (including some evenings and weekends).
- Develop individualized coaching plans to support diverse student strengths and needs.
Classroom Environment
- Create a student-centered learning space that encourages participation and builds confidence.
- Uphold high expectations for student behavior and academic performance with consistent, restorative practices.
- Integrate culturally responsive teaching practices to honor and elevate diverse perspectives.
Collaboration & Professional Growth
- Work closely with colleagues to integrate debate skills into interdisciplinary projects and humanities coursework.
- Communicate regularly with families about student progress and team opportunities.
- Engage in ongoing professional development and reflection to improve teaching practices.
Qualifications & Traits
The ideal Middle School Forensics & Debate Teacher will have:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Communication, English, or related field.
- Strong background in competitive speech and debate—either as a coach, teacher, or competitor.
- Excellent communication, classroom management, and organizational skills.
Preferred
- Valid teaching certification (or eligibility) in relevant content areas.
- Experience working with middle school students in urban, diverse, or charter school settings.
- Familiarity with forensics leagues (e.g., NSDA, MSHSAA) and tournament structures.
Compensation & Benefits
This role is placed on the “A: Entry,” “B: Bachelor’s,” “M: Master’s,” or “D: Doctorate/Ed.S.” as appropriate.
CWC Kansas City offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. CWC Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Contact
Please apply online through the BambooHR Application Portal on our website at www.cwckansascity.org/employment. No phone calls, please.
