FAQs - YFD Coaches
Where does YFD coach?
Public middle and high schools throughout New York City
A sample of the previous schools we worked with in the 2020-2021 year:
Bronx Career & College Preparatory High School
Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics
The Clinton School
In-Tech Academy
Peekskill High School
South Bronx Academy for Applied Media
World View High School
The Young Women's Leadership School of Brooklyn
Will I coach alone or with others?
Depends on your assignment! If you are very nervous about coaching without a co-coach, we aim to accommodate your preferences indicated on your coach application.
We do our best to make sure that first time coaches are paired with experienced coaches as much as possible.
How much debate experience do I need to join YFD?
While previous experience is a big boost, we do not require it.
Many students have never debated before, and we will make sure coaches are well-prepared to introduce the activity.
I have never taught debate before. What should I know before entering a classroom?
Here is the Spring 2022 Curriculum for reference. We will make slight modifications according to coach and school enrollment and post an updated curriculum as soon as possible.
All coaches are highly encouraged to inspect lesson plans beyond and contact board members with any questions.
What are GBMs? Are they mandatory?
General Body Meetings are monthly meetings to cover important logistical issues.
To be respectful of everyone’s time, board members will keep the frequency of GBMs low and email whenever possible.
If I have a problem with my co-coach or my classroom, who should I contact and how do I contact them?
If your coach, try to communicate with them first! If your classroom, try the teacher at that school.
For other issues, always feel free to reach out to any of the Volunteer Directors, Vice Presidents or President.
I cannot coach this semester, but I still want to be involved. What else can I do to help the YFD cause?
You can work as a board assistant to help staff the tournament or work on other tasks as needed! Contact us with any inquiries, especially if you have a unique skill set.
I have a serious and unavoidable conflict with one of the days I am supposed to be coaching. What should I do?
Communicate as soon as you know - we are much more understanding and can work around it if given the time.
Let your teacher and the relevant board members know, but don’t forget your students!
If you get a substitute, update each other before and after your missed session to avoid missing or reteaching material.
What should I do in preparation for coaching?
Read over the curriculum plan and make notes of adjustments you must make ahead of time.
Reach out to the executive board, who wrote the curriculum, for any clarifications.
If you work with other coaches, coordinate your lessons, especially if you will split up a classroom into smaller groups.
How much of a time commitment is YFD?
Coaching sessions average around 1.5-2 hours/week depending on classroom schedules, potential in-person travel time, etc.
I have a really good idea for a change to the YFD curriculum. Who can I talk to?
You should always feel free to reach out to the executive board members of YFD, who wrote the curriculum this year - we appreciate any suggestions and always consider them!
How many coaches does YFD typically have each semester?
This is dependent upon year-to-year enrollment. In the past, we averaged around 25 coaches.