Senior Instructor – Public Speaking & Debate | Summer 2026

Capitol Debate Summer Camps

Who We Are

Capitol Debate is a year-round professional organization dedicated exclusively to teaching public speaking and debate. For 20 years, we've taught over 10,000 students from 35+ countries the communication skills that matter most in an AI-driven world: persuasion, presence, and human connection.

Our alumni have attended every Ivy League school and work at organizations like Google, Bain, and leading law firms. We're looking for experienced educators who share our belief that confident communication is the skill that separates future leaders from the rest.

Why Senior Instructors Choose Capitol Debate

Teach alongside passionate educators. You'll join a team of instructors who share your enthusiasm for speech and debate—people who understand why this work matters.

Curriculum ready to go. Our 20-year-refined curriculum means you can focus on teaching, not lesson planning. Walk in prepared with proven content that works.

See your impact. Our assessment system tracks real student growth. You'll witness firsthand how your teaching transforms students over two weeks.

Prestigious campus locations. Teach at universities including Yale, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UNC Chapel Hill, American University, Villanova, University of Washington, and others nationwide.

The Role

Senior Instructors are the backbone of our classroom experience. You'll lead lessons, coach students individually, judge practice debates and competitions, and deliver personalized feedback.

This is a teaching role, not a babysitting role. You'll work with students ages 8-17 who are motivated to improve their communication skills.

What You'll Do

• Deliver curriculum across public speaking fundamentals, debate strategy, research techniques, and competitive performance

• Provide individualized coaching and complete detailed student assessments at mid-camp and end of camp

• Judge practice debates, presentations, and camp competitions

• Support the Camp Director in ensuring an excellent experience for every student and family

• Participate in 5-10 hours of pre-camp training and planning per session

Commitment

• Minimum 6 weeks across Summer 2026 (June 14 – August 6)

• Each camp session is 2 weeks at one location

• You will teach at different campuses throughout the summer

• Arrive one day before each session begins

2026 Campus Locations

Yale University | UCLA | UC Berkeley | UNC Chapel Hill | American University | Villanova University | University of Washington | Babson College | Loyola University Chicago |Iona University | Drew University | and more

Who Should Apply

• You have teaching or coaching experience in Speech & Debate, Forensics, Mock Trial, Model UN, or similar competitive speaking activities

• You have a Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred)

• You're energized by working with young people and seeing them grow

• You understand that great teaching requires patience, adaptability, and genuine care

Compensation

$2,000 per two-week camp session, plus:

• Housing provided at residential campus locations

• Meals included during camp sessions

Requirements

• Coached Competitive Public Speaking and Debate in one or more of the following competitive activities: Speech and Debate team, Forensics, Mock Trial Team, Model United Nations Team, or similar.
  


• Minimum 2 Years of Classroom Experience in 6 to 12th grade School or College Level.
  


• Bachelors Degree Required
  


• Masters Degree Preferred
  


• Staff may be required to walk long distances, while supervising children, in between campuses' locations under summer weather conditions.