Program Director – Speech and Debate

Position:                Program Director – Speech and Debate

Department:        Summer Portals
FLSA:                      Exempt
Reports to:           Dean of Summer Programs

Dates:                    July 13, 2025 - July 26, 2025 – Two-Week Program for Debate & Speech

Class Schedule:  9:00 a.m. - Noon; 1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. (Monday through Friday);

                                Sat. 7/19th, 9:00 a.m. -Noon

Summer Portals at Hotchkiss School includes a wide variety of academic and recreational offerings to rising 6^th through 9^th grade students, many of whom are experiencing a residential learning experience for the first time. Students come to Summer Portals from diverse nationalities and cultures, seeking academic enrichment and exploration.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Speech and Debate Program Director will develop and execute a two-week curriculum that introduces students to fundamental speech and debate elements and skills that will support their critical thinking and writing. Curriculum elements should include debate topic research, persuasive techniques, speaking and listening skills, as well as the use of evidence to help students learn the power of persuasion and the value of their voice in the world. The Program Director will instruct, supervise two teachers, and mentor a Speech and Debate Summer Fellow who will assist with classroom and research activities. The Program Director will guide students as they prepare a final program culminating experience, one which demonstrates their mastery and confidence gained. 

The Hotchkiss School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm working and learning community for students and employees from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In advance of Program dates, submit curriculum and syllabus that considers both project-based and individually guided debate topics.
• Resource and provide program educational material for procurement before the program commences.
• Guide and support the curriculum and class lesson planning during the program.
• Instruct students observing their academic level, conducting debate activities to support their skill development; helping them explore and elaborate on their stance.
• Counsel, support, and guide students as needed.
• Identify and communicate with the Dean of Summer Programs, any emergent need that warrants immediate support, ensuring student safety and well-being.

• Portals Faculty are expected to eat communally with students.
• Instructors who receive campus housing and are not full-time Hotchkiss faculty, are expected to handle four nights of evening supervision on campus.
• At the end of the program, provide a written assessment commenting on each student’s progress through the program, describing their growth, attitude, effort as well as achievement.
• Review student comments from other Speech and Debate instructors before final submission.
• Participate in Summer Portals faculty orientation, which includes online professional boundaries training in Sexual Harassment Prevention, and CT Department of Children and Families Mandated Reporter Training.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A four-year College Degree is required.
• Qualified applicants will have demonstrated successful teaching and/or coaching Speech and Debate to middle school or high school students.
• Possess excellent time management and organizational skills needed to oversee the program and other instructor colleagues.
• Possess strong communication skills that effectively promote inclusive and respectful behavior amongst students and respectful exchange amongst colleagues.
• Friendly attitude and approachable demeanor that exhibits compassion, empathy, and patience for students.

 PHYSICAL WORK CONDITIONS

• Faculty are expected to perform work on campus in the presence of students.
• Must be able to maintain a stationary position and/or traverse while performing essential responsibilities.
• Must be able to communicate and converse as well as distinguish and observe.
• The Hotchkiss School is a tobacco-free and drug-free work environment.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The essential functions and basic skills have been included.  It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities.  Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities.  The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

For further information, contact:

Richard Hazelton  

Dean of Summer Programs

Director, Center for Global Understanding & Independent Thinking     

RHazelton@hotchkiss.org

Apply for the position online at:

http://www.hotchkiss.org/our-school/careers-at-hotchkiss

Applicants will be expected to submit:

1. A current resume.
2. Contact information of two professional references, professors or supervisors of education-related work experience.
3. Unofficial transcript(s).