Senior School Debate Coach

Senior School Debate Coach

Part-Time Hourly Position

Temporary Contract ending June 17, 2027

Department: Senior School

Reports to: Director, University Guidance

Role Overview

To support our vision of empowered young women challenging and transforming the world, we are currently seeking a Debate Coach. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Senior School students and the incumbent coach on overseeing the instruction, competitive preparation, administrative management, and mentorship for the Senior School debate team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in preparing students for debate tournaments in the independent schools system and can help students develop critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills. This is a temporary contract position to address an immediate staffing need as a replacement.

Who We Are

SMLS is a premier independent girls' school (JK–Grade 12) with 135 years of history. Located on 10 acres in Olde Oakville, our mission is to provide personalized, real-world learning experiences that encourage young women to challenge and transform the world. Our tight-knit, nurturing community allows each girl to explore her unique pathway to success. SMLS students learn to dare–and develop the future-ready skills, resilience, and confidence to lead beyond our doors.

Who You Are

• An enthusiastic, articulate, and creative individual who communicates with ease and confidence.
• Confident with engaging in innovative and differentiated learning that is student centered.
• A critical thinker who demonstrates initiative, integrity and attention to detail.
• A team player who enjoys being part of a vibrant, collaborative community and contributes positively to all areas of the school.
• Able to recognize and support different learners to thrive and prosper.

Experience:

• 2+ years coaching school-aged students, preferably in debate, business studies, public speaking, or a related field.
• Experience coaching students for tournaments and competitions is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of business concepts, case analysis, and argumentation.
• Excellent communication and classroom management skills.
• Experience in a non-profit setting (asset).
• Experience in an Independent School (asset).
• Working Conditions: Office / School Environment, Mac, Google.

Education:

• Bachelor of Education, Ontario Teacher Certification or similar.

• Plan and deliver engaging Debate preparatory sessions tailored to students' levels and goals.
• Teach core debate formats, logical argumentation, rebuttal techniques, and cross-examination strategies.
• Coach students on role-plays, case analysis, business presentations, and competition preparation.
• Teach students to research topics, build clear arguments, respond to opposing viewpoints, and speak persuasively.
• Lead practice sessions and provide specific, constructive feedback to help students improve.
• Foster an inclusive team environment and uphold ethical debating standards and intellectual integrity.
• Register teams and entries for tournaments.
• Organize transportation, lodging, field trip permission forms, and supervision for out-of-town or multi-day competitions in compliance with school policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the team, school administration, and debate leagues.
• Maintain consistent and professional communication with students, faculty and parents, and the broader community.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

• Hours will be assigned on an as needed basis.
• Expect approximately 2-5 hours per week. More substantial hours required during tournaments.
• Expect Tuesday evenings on a weekly basis from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
• Most work will be completed onsite at SMLS. Individualized coaching sessions may take place remotely outside of school hours.

SMLS' culture is highly collaborative and community-oriented. All staff are expected to participate fully in the life of the school, including attending school events which may occur on evenings or weekends from time to time (faculty participation in co-curriculars is essential).

Employees are expected to undertake additional responsibilities as reasonably assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the role.

While a teacher's current teaching assignment is based on the School's present operational and educational needs, teaching assignments are subject to change from time to time. As the needs of the School, its students, enrollment, programming, and staffing requirements evolve, you may be assigned to teach different grades, subjects, courses, or programs for which you are qualified and competent to teach. Any such changes will be made reasonably, and every effort will be made to provide advance notice and appropriate training where required.

Compensation & Terms

The expected compensation is in the range of $40-50 per hour.

SMLS does not use artificial intelligence or automated decision-making tools in the screening or selection of candidates.

Why Join SMLS?

Our work is meaningful and important. As a school, we support each student's interests, talents, learning needs and strengths. Through our world-class facility, Signature Programs, expertise in girls' education, and dedication to personalization, our students become lifelong learners equipped to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose.

When you join SMLS, you join a fun and supportive community!

Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and may be eligible for some of the following benefits:

• Health, vision, and dental care
• Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Mental health & wellbeing resources
• Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan / RRSP program with up to 5% employer match
• A healthy lunch program during the school year
• On-site fitness facilities
• On-site parking
• Time off during Winter Break and March Break
• Summer hours and extra long weekends in line with the school calendar

OUR VISION

Young women empowered to challenge and transform the world.

OUR MISSION

To engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.

OUR VALUES

Excellence · Courage · Integrity · Belonging

If you are interested in an opportunity to join our school, please submit both your cover letter and resume in a single pdf file.

Files should be in the following name format: firstinitial_lastname_job title

We appreciate and thank all applicants for your interest in SMLS, however, only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Please also note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a police vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment.

SMLS is an equal opportunity employer and we accommodate any needs under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment within our community. Please contact Human Resources with any requirements or questions.