Part-Time Middle School Speech and Debate Teacher.

Position Overview:

STEM School Highlands Ranch is seeking a passionate, engaging, and student-centered Part-Time Middle School Speech and Debate Teacher to join our instructional team. The ideal candidate enjoys helping students develop confidence, critical thinking, public speaking, and effective communication skills through interactive and collaborative learning experiences.

This position provides an opportunity to introduce middle school students to the fundamentals of speech, debate, argumentation, and persuasive communication. We are looking for a creative and flexible educator who can foster respectful dialogue, encourage diverse perspectives, and help students build the skills needed to communicate effectively and confidently.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging speech and debate lessons appropriate for middle school students.
• Teach foundational skills in public speaking, argumentation, persuasive writing, research, and critical thinking.
• Introduce students to various speech and debate formats, including structured debates, presentations, and impromptu speaking.
• Develop interactive, project-based learning activities that encourage collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Help students build confidence in expressing ideas, listening actively, and responding respectfully to differing viewpoints.
• Guide students in researching topics, evaluating credible sources, and developing evidence-based arguments.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing ideas.
• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student learning needs and abilities.
• Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback to support communication and presentation skills.
• Establish clear classroom expectations and maintain effective classroom management.
• Collaborate with colleagues and school leadership to support student success.
• Maintain accurate student records and communicate with families as needed.
• Support STEM School Highlands Ranch's mission, values, and educational philosophy.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge or experience in public speaking, debate, communications, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.
• Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate instructional experiences for middle school students.
• Ability to facilitate respectful discussions and encourage students to consider multiple perspectives.
• Ability to meet applicable Colorado teaching authorization requirements.
• Colorado teaching license or appropriate teaching authorization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous middle school teaching experience.
• Experience teaching speech, debate, public speaking, communications, or related subjects.
• Experience coaching or participating in competitive speech and debate programs.
• Familiarity with project-based learning and STEM education.
• Experience integrating technology, research, and interactive activities into instruction.
• Ability to support students with varying levels of confidence and communication skills.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Occasional lifting of 5 to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand or walk for 90 minutes
• Ability to run short distances
• Frequent bending, stooping, walking, standing, kneeling, crawling, squatting, reaching, and sitting

Schedule:

• Part-time 
• Monday to Friday

This position will be open until filled, but will not be open past: November 30, 2026.  

About STEM School Highlands Ranch

At STEM School Highlands Ranch, we place innovation at the heart of learning to unleash the potential of all students and prepare them for an exponentially changing world. As a K-12 public charter school in the Douglas County School District, we are committed to creating an environment that fosters respect, success, and continuous improvement. We welcome you to join us in our mission to redefine limits and unleash potential. 

Our Core Values:

Prioritize Students – Every decision we make is focused on ensuring students thrive, lead, and succeed. The community that surrounds students exists for the purpose of their growth and development.

Build a Strong Community – We are more than a school, we are a community. We all have equal value and seek to encourage each other to maximize our unique strengths, gifts, and passions. The true power of a charter school is in the strength of its community.

Do Right, Always – Honesty, trust, and ethical decision-making guide our actions, fostering respect, accountability, and a safe environment, even in challenging circumstances or when recognition is absent.

Embrace Innovation – Never Stop Innovating. Innovation thrives on continuous growth, bold problem-solving, and a willingness to push boundaries, transforming ideas into meaningful progress.

Take Steady Steps – We play the long game with people and projects by implementing strategic planning, clear communication, systems and process, ample resources, and appropriate pacing - setting a strong foundation for a supportive environment for our community to thrive.

Lead With Care – Dedicated to making a difference through personal ownership, care, and compassion, creates lasting impact in our students, colleagues, and community.

Elevate the Standard – A commitment to continuous growth, where skills are refined, applied, and adapted to achieve the highest standards and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential.

Laugh Together – Having fun makes the team work! Creating an environment where joy is encouraged. Strengthens our teams, fosters a positive culture, and fuels creativity, making everyone feel valued, energized, and motivated to contribute.