What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Portals Instructor - Speech and Debate - July 13, 2025 to July 27, 2025 position at Hotchkiss Brand?
Department: Summer Portals
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Dean of Summer Programs
Dates: July 13, 2025 - July 27, 2025 – Two-Week Program for Debate & Speech
Class Schedule: 9:00 a.m. - Noon; 1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.);
Sat. 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Summer Portals at Hotchkiss School includes a wide variety of academic and recreational offerings to rising 6th through 9th 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 Instructor will support 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 Instructor 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, get familiar with the curriculum and syllabus that are both project-based and individually guided debate topics.
- 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.
- Guide and support the curriculum and class lesson planning during the program,
- Instruct students to observe 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.
- 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.
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.
- Room and Board provided if needed.
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.
