Job Details

Head Speech & Debate Coach - Academy, Grades 9-12

Job Type:

Part Time

Experienced

Job Description:

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

• 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.

4 Year Degree

Non-discriminatory Statement:

Punahou School, in accordance with state and federal laws, does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or other grounds protected under state or federal equal employment opportunity laws or regulations.