I became involved with debate last year because I wanted to have the potential to coach when I eventually start teaching in high school. The ability to take on extra-curriculars is vital for a teacher and I have no knowledge/interest in sports, so this seemed like my best option for resume padding.
I actually enjoyed it quite a bit, and ended up going all the way to nationals. I've been on an extended break from school but last weekend my coach asked me to help with administrative stuff at my school's tournament so I came back to lend a hand. I was informed that our work last year had earned us an invitation to internationals this year, which is in London. I decided that was certainly good incentive to come back, though I had been considering it anyway. A couple days later I was offered an assistant coaching position for the team.
Although I was looking forward to debating again, the whole point was to prepare for coaching so I decided today to take the position. I still get to go to London, just as a coach rather than a participant. In addition I'll receive a VERY sweet financial aid boost for school as long as I'm doing it. I'll be focusing on IE's (individual events) because of my theatre background, and overall strategy and argument forming. I'll leave the technical debate to the other coach who has more experience in that area. Works out great because I'm really more of a theory kind of guy.
Anyway, just feels good to finally be in somewhat of an instructor position. Other than a couple of short stints as a security trainer and a personal trainer this is as close as I've come to teaching. Took 35 years but better late than never.
I actually enjoyed it quite a bit, and ended up going all the way to nationals. I've been on an extended break from school but last weekend my coach asked me to help with administrative stuff at my school's tournament so I came back to lend a hand. I was informed that our work last year had earned us an invitation to internationals this year, which is in London. I decided that was certainly good incentive to come back, though I had been considering it anyway. A couple days later I was offered an assistant coaching position for the team.
Although I was looking forward to debating again, the whole point was to prepare for coaching so I decided today to take the position. I still get to go to London, just as a coach rather than a participant. In addition I'll receive a VERY sweet financial aid boost for school as long as I'm doing it. I'll be focusing on IE's (individual events) because of my theatre background, and overall strategy and argument forming. I'll leave the technical debate to the other coach who has more experience in that area. Works out great because I'm really more of a theory kind of guy.
Anyway, just feels good to finally be in somewhat of an instructor position. Other than a couple of short stints as a security trainer and a personal trainer this is as close as I've come to teaching. Took 35 years but better late than never.
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