Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor

STEAMspark is seeking a dedicated and inspiring Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor to play a vital role in developing confident communicators, critical thinkers, and respectful leaders. Your role will involve planning and delivering engaging speech and debate classes that introduce children to public speaking, argumentation, research, and critical thinking while aligning with our Montessori and STEAM curriculum and creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment.

Job Overview

• Are you a passionate educator with a talent for public speaking and debate instruction?
• Do you enjoy helping young children discover the power of effective communication in a nurturing and academically rich environment?

As our Part-Time Speech & Debate Instructor, you'll guide small group classes 2–3 times per week during the afternoon hours. Your students will develop foundational skills in public speaking, critical thinking, research, and debate while building confidence, leadership, and effective communication.

Work Schedule

• Part-time position
• Afternoon classes, typically between 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM, two days per week
• Exact schedule will be determined based on child enrollment and class grouping

Key Responsibilities

Speech & Debate Instruction

• Teach age-appropriate speech and debate classes for children beginning at age 6
• Introduce public speaking, logical reasoning, research, persuasive writing, and debate fundamentals
• Prepare students for classroom showcases, speech presentations, and age-appropriate academic competitions
• Select engaging topics and activities that match students' developmental levels
• Prepare for and attend our Winter (December) and Spring (April/May) showcases

Child Engagement & Growth

• Create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters confidence, curiosity, and respectful dialogue
• Adapt instruction to meet a range of learning styles and developmental needs
• Offer supportive feedback and guidance to encourage communication and leadership growth

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate regularly with families and school staff regarding progress, practice, and presentation opportunities
• Coordinate with other enrichment instructors to integrate speech and debate into school events or showcases
• Maintain attendance and basic records for each student

Required Qualifications

• Strong public speaking and communication skills
• Experience in speech, debate, mock trial, Model United Nations, or a related field
• Experience teaching or coaching children, preferably ages 6–12
• Enthusiasm for working in a nurturing Montessori-inspired environment
• Clear communication and classroom management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Communications, Education, Political Science, English, Law, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience coaching competitive speech or debate
• Experience preparing students for academic competitions
• CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay range: $20 – $35, based on experience
• Professional development support
• Flexible, consistent part-time schedule
• Opportunity to grow academic enrichment programming in a vibrant school community

Why Work at STEAMspark?

STEAMspark is more than a school. It is a space where innovation, imagination, and individual growth are celebrated. We believe speech and debate are powerful tools for nurturing confident, capable, and articulate learners. If you are passionate about helping young children find their voice in a supportive and enriching environment, we invite you to join our team.

About our Organization

STEAMspark is an AMI/USA Aspiring School and an AMS Verified School. We are also fully accredited through Cognia, which encompasses NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI. Together, these distinctions allow us to serve children from as young as 6 weeks old in our Nido environment through 12th grade.

We are committed to:

• Preparing students to become top academic performers throughout their education.
• Positioning them to take on more advanced courses in secondary school.
• Enabling them to pursue higher education opportunities successfully.
• Igniting a passion for learning at an early age, our Montessori driven, STEAM integrated, age-appropriate, highly interactive curricula taught by Montessori credentialed and/or state certified educators dedicated to our students.

Here are some of the benefits of working at STEAMspark:

• Medical (where STEAMspark picks up a generous amount of the cost)
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Time Off and Company Paid Holidays
• Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Mentorship Opportunities