Program Director

Position: Program Director – Speech and Debate
Department: Summer Portals
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Dean of Summer Programs

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

Class Schedule: Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. - Noon; 1:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.; Saturday, July 19th: 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Summer Portals at Hotchkiss School offers a wide variety of academic and recreational programs for rising 6th through 9th grade students. Students come from diverse nationalities and cultures, seeking academic enrichment and exploration.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Speech and Debate Program Director will develop a two-week curriculum introducing students to fundamental speech and debate elements and skills that support critical thinking and writing. Curriculum elements include debate topic research, persuasive techniques, speaking and listening skills, and the use of evidence to teach 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 assists with classroom and research activities. The Program Director will guide students as they prepare a final program culminating experience, demonstrating their mastery and confidence gained.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In advance of Program dates, submit curriculum and syllabus considering 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 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.
• 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, including 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 necessary.