Dear New Debate Coach,

Hello, and welcome to the world of competitive high school debate, acting and public speaking!

What is provided here is an introduction to our global village. Being a debate coach is generally divided into two separately areas: CLASSROOM/TEACHING, and COACHING/ADMINISTERING. The various curriculum information tabs on the Palm Beach / Martin Debate Portal are organized as such; however, there are bound to be some areas where cross-application takes place. That’s OK. Better to have too much than not enough.

Program Building: Finding The Right Coach

Additionally, because this is a continual “work in progress,” there may be some information in need of updating or that are missing … especially since, due to COVID-19, we are in a state of transition in so many ways right now. Let us know, we’ll work on it!

This is a database of lessons, units, exams, and other important informational items. You are encouraged to use and adapt anything you find in these materials to your classroom, team, and coaching requirements and preferences.

These lesson/unit plans and administrative materials are available via the Palm Beach / Martin Debate Portal web site

PBCFL 2020-21 Coach Welcome Letter

In addition, the National Speech & Debate Association has created both a New Coach Quick Start Guide and a New Coach Advocacy Program, which includes information on starting a program, recruiting members, and fundraising.