Afterschool and Weekend Speech and Debate Teacher (Part- Time)

Description

Harker attracts exceptional educators who are experts in their fields, passionate about working with and guiding children, and dedicated to inspiring students to reach their fullest potential. Our teachers cultivate dynamic learning environments both inside and outside the classroom, helping students find their place and their unique talents in today’s world. Like our students, Harker educators value community and teamwork, recognizing their vital role in fostering a growth mindset.

We are seeking a highly qualified candidate for a Afterschool and Weekend Speech and Debate teaching position at our Middle School campus. This is a part-time position beginning in August 2025 for the 2025–2026 school year.

To learn more about our outstanding benefits and why Harker is an incredible place to work, visit www.harker.org/about/careers.

Expected Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000 

For information about our academic programs, please visit us at https://www.harker.org.  

Position Summary:

Plan, organize, and implement an appropriate instructional program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop and fulfill their academic potential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Overarching Expectations

• Upholds the mission of the school and acts as a positive ambassador for the school.
• Maintains respectful & cooperative interactions with students, parents, teachers, co-workers, & administrators.
• Maintains timely communications with parents, students, administrators, and co-workers.
• Able to successfully learn, navigate and use Harker’s many internal programs and systems.
• Has strong organizational skills and attention to detail; manages sensitive & confidential information well.
• Maintains a positive attitude, is self-motivated, and can work well independently and in a team environment.

Speech and Debate Specific Duties: 

Work closely with the Middle School Head Speech & Debate Coach and Department Chair to:

Encourage broad participation in the program and at tournaments, ensuring all students—whether deeply invested or participating casually—feel welcomed and supported. Maintain a competitive tournament schedule, including managing travel logistics, tournament entries, and timely communication with families. This includes both regular season tournaments and the Middle School NSDA Tournament in June. A sample tournament schedule from the previous year can be found here. Support a practice schedule, with after-school practices typically held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:45 – 5:00 PM. Organize at least two intramural competitions per semester, which typically include three preliminary rounds and time for feedback. Oversee financial responsibilities related to the speech and debate budget, including tracking receipts and making cost-efficient travel arrangements. Provide coaching and instructional support for all events in which students compete, including Public Forum Debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Congressional Debate, and NSDA Speech events.

Expectations that Extend Beyond the Classroom:

Attends meetings as directed by the division head or department chair.  This includes but is not limited to weekly Wednesday meetings after school. Keeps counselors informed of students with significant academic, social, or emotional concerns and maintains open lines of communication with parents/guardians, promptly notifying them when student issues arise. Participates in school functions that extend beyond normal school hours but are necessary to maintain the positive community in which we pride ourselves.  Such functions include but are not limited to Back to School Night, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Family Picnic, the faculty retreat, Open House, etc.

Expectations in the Classroom

Creates a classroom environment of respect and maintains a classroom environment where the social and emotional welfare of the students are protected to the best of a teacher’s abilities. Creates well-organized, meaningful, and creative lesson plans to carry out the curriculum in thoughtful and engaging ways and that incorporate teaching strategies to further maximize student learning. Has an excellent grasp of knowledge of subject and content-related pedagogy; such knowledge should be apparent to the students and to a classroom observer.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to educate students for success at college and beyond and to foster kindness, respect, and integrity within a safe and nurturing environment. We achieve academic excellence through the development of intellectual curiosity, personal accountability, and love of learning. Our comprehensive program and exceptional faculty and staff help students discover, develop, and enjoy their unique talents. We honor individuality, embrace diversity, and promote leadership and service, preparing students to take their place as global citizens.

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000