Head Debate Coach

Walter Payton College Preparatory High School
Job Opening: Head Debate Coach
In Partnership with Chicago Debates

Position Title: Head Coach – Debate Team
Compensation: $7,000 stipend (with potential for additional pay for judging and overnight chaperoning)
Season Duration: August 25, 2025 – April 27, 2026
Location: Walter Payton College Prep, Chicago, IL

Position Overview:
The Walter Payton College Prep award-winning debate team is seeking a dynamic, knowledgeable, and student-centered Head Debate Coach to lead our competitive debate team in partnership with Chicago Debates. The coach will be responsible for guiding students in developing argumentation, research, and public speaking skills through weekly practices, mentoring, and competition participation. This is an exciting opportunity to mentor youth, promote civic discourse, and help students thrive in competitive academic settings.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Practices & Coaching

Lead weekly after-school debate practices (1–1.5 hours).
Foster a team culture built on leadership, accountability, and mutual respect.
Provide feedback and mentorship to debaters in all skill levels.
Collaborate with student leaders to establish team norms and support peer development.
Tournaments & Travel

Attend approximately 14 tournaments throughout the season, including:
RCC local tournaments (Friday–Saturday)
Select TOC-qualifying regional/national tournaments (Friday–Sunday or Saturday–Monday)
Tournament of Champions, if the team qualifies
Serve as an adult chaperone and judge when needed.
Team Management & Communication

Meet with the Assistant Coach twice per month (30 minutes each) to plan practices, evaluate team progress, and coordinate responsibilities.
Serve as the primary point of contact and adult supervisor during practices and trips.
Develop, support, and participate in fundraising efforts for the team.
Administrative Requirements

Successfully complete Chicago Public Schools onboarding, including:

External Coach Volunteer Application
Drug screening and TB test
CPS background check
CPS Employee ID issuance and clearance for building access

Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience in competitive debate (coaching or competition)

Strong communication and organizational skills

Experience working with high school students in an educational or extracurricular setting

Commitment to educational equity and supporting diverse learners

Flexibility for travel and weekend commitments

To Apply:
Please complete the CPS External Coach Volunteer Application and contact Dannette Porter (dmporter5@cps.edu) to begin the onboarding process.