Coach Job Description 

Posting Date: February 25, 2026
Job Title: Speech & Debate Coach - (2026-2027)
Pay: ~$2,500/year ARGS coaching stipend ($900), as well as support from Richmond Forum (~$1,500 per coach)
Schedule: August-April, weekly 3:30 p.m.  meetings and monthly tournaments
Application deadline: Until filled (unless otherwise noted above) 

Position Type: Part-time, temporary
Apply:  Eric Brower, Director of Athletics ebrower@args.us

Questions: Beth Denson, Outgoing Speech & Debate Coach, elizabeth.a.denson@gmail.com 

Join a growing, winning Speech and Debate team at the region's premier arts high school! 

Appomattox Regional Governor's School Speech & Debate Team is three years old with about 15 active members. Our students have qualified for State each of the past two years! We have a determined senior debater committed to student leadership responsibilities.

While S&D experience is helpful, it is not necessary. Passion and experience with public speaking will carry the day.

The team is a member of the incredibly supportive Richmond Forum Speech & Debate League which provides training, coach and team stipends — you will not need to fundraise. 

The outgoing coaches are offering training and administrative support to ease the transition, including team by-laws, SOPs, rosters, website, Tabroom.com help, judges training, and supporting documentation. The Richmond S&D community is warm, helpful and knowledgeable. You will not be doing this alone.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Ideally, candidates possess knowledge of VHSL, NSDA, and CFL rules and regulations; ability to develop and train student-competitors; personal skills that reflect positive relations with high school student-competitors, parents and the community; extensive knowledge of the principles of individual and team fundamentals of speech & debate (trains students in argumentation, public speaking, and research, while managing tournament logistics, team budget, and travel); ability to organize and prepare practice schedules; ability to develop a solid discipline that emphasizes team work and good sportsmanship.

Previous coaching experience is preferred. Information provided by applicants may be verified by work history, personal reference, or criminal record inquiries to determine the applicant's acceptability for employment. 

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS:
Duties are typically to be performed in school settings, including gym and recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, light lifting, and other physical activities will be required. The position will require daily, close personal contact with student-competitors to provide instruction. The position will also require regular travel with student-competitors to and from tournaments. Regular contact with other coaches, administrators, parents, and the media.