Job Details

Punahou School recognizes the richness of its traditions as well as its responsibility to deliver a relevant educational experience in a rapidly changing world. It remains anchored in the aim of developing the full potential of each student through an extracurricular program inviting students to develop 21st-century skills beyond the classroom. The Speech & Debate Team maintains a strong tradition of excellence on the local, state, and national levels.

Punahou School is actively recruiting a Head Speech & Debate Coach for the 2025-2026 School Year. The Head Coach is responsible for shepherding students through a series of competitions that create a platform for youth voices to be heard and celebrated. The position offers an opportunity to work with students to develop their communication, critical thinking, and citizenship skills in a highly competitive environment while actively participating in the local high school speech & debate community.

The Head Coach position carries significant administrative responsibilities from September through April (and possibly through June, if students qualify for Nationals). These duties broadly include the following:

• Oversee the growth of up to 100 student competitors
• Coordinate practices with assistant coaches and student captains (2 days per week, Sept-April)
• Complete logistical paperwork for all competitions
• Attend ~14 tournaments during the year (approx. 2 Saturdays per month)
• Host 3-4 tournaments at Punahou
• Recruit parents to judge at tournaments
• Coordinate planning of travel to the Neighbor Island Tournament in January and Nationals in June

Position Details:

• Work Year: 9 Months
• School Year: 2025-2026
• Work Hours: Practices run Mondays and Thursdays, 3:30 PM - 5:15 PM. Administrative work hours are flexible. Tournament schedule determined by the Hawaii Speech League.
• Stipend Amount: $12,000

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience competing in or coaching high school Speech (preferred) or Debate.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability and passion for working with a broad range of students.
• Availability 2 Saturdays per month, from September-April, one full weekend in January, and possibly one week in June if competitors qualify for Nationals.