High School Assistant Debate Coach (part-time, 2026-2027)

Georgetown Day School opened its doors in 1945 as the first integrated school in a segregated city. GDS was founded by seven changemaker families who envisioned a school committed not only to academic excellence and educational innovation but also to respect and care for others. Believing that diversity is a critical foundation for the most transformational learning, they established a school where all children would be welcomed, celebrated, and challenged to be their best selves.

Today, the School’s philosophy and programs strongly reflect its roots. GDS fosters a community of belonging while lifting up every student’s unique gifts, building in each the capacity for compassion, leadership, and creating positive change. 1125 engaged and talented PK-12 students across three divisions love to learn and learn to change the world in GDS’s exciting urban campus with its outstanding facilities. Recognized as one the most dynamic educational institutions in our capital city and nation, GDS today is in a uniquely attractive position, with a deeply-felt and lived history, clear mission, and genuine openness to the possibilities that lie ahead.

About the Position

DIVISION: High School
DEPARTMENT: School Life
REPORTS TO: Assistant Principal for School Life
LOCATION: On-site at 4200 Davenport Street, NW, Washington, DC and requires in-person travel
JOB STATUS: Part-time, stipend
FLSA: Exempt
DATES: Mid-September through May 2027
STIPEND: Up to $16,000 annually (prorated based on start date and availability for travel on specified date)  

Georgetown Day School, a co-ed Pre-K-12 school in Washington, DC, seeks an Assistant Debate Coach to support its nationally recognized debate program. The Assistant Debate Coach will support the program's day-to-day functions and coordinate with the Head Debate Coach to support students and their families. This part-time position requires 6 to 8 hours on-campus hours per week and travels approximately 12-weekends across the entire debate season for the 2026-27 school year. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in coaching on campus debate practices after school days per week, as scheduled with the Head Debate Coach Director of Debate

• Judge and coach students at in-person and/or virtual debate tournaments.

• Chaperone students during in-person travel debate tournaments.

• Research and prepare materials on new debate topics.

• Review student work remotely and provide timely, constructive feedback.

• Collaborate closely with the debate coaching team and the HS Office to support program goals.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities 

• Accomplish all tasks as appropriate. Other duties outside this description may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications
Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Experience working with students, ideally in a school or extracurricular setting.

• A minimum of two years of debate experience; some coaching experience strongly preferred.

Skills

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Demonstrated commitment to student growth and well-being, with genuine care for children and their families.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to honoring the dignity and worth of every individual.

Americans with Disability Specifications

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk, see or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To Apply 

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three references using our online application system through ADP/Workforce Now: http://www.gds.org/Recruiting. To find out more about the school, candidates should visit our website at www.gds.org.

As an inclusive school devoted to preparing our students to live, work, and lead in an increasingly globalized and multicultural society, GDS is particularly interested in professionals with demonstrated interest and experience in working in such a school setting and is driven by the core charge of working to enhance and bring joy to every student’s individual learning experience in equitable and meaningful ways.