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.