Coaching speech and debate is a labor of love. It takes time, hard work, and lots of energy, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The Florida Debate Initiative wants to help novice coaches build and grow strong and successful speech and debate programs. This isn’t your average PD, not only will you come away empowered, we’re making sure to provide training in a comfortable and inspiring learning environment.
Who should attend?
Are you curious about what it takes to be a coach? Maybe you're in your first or second year teaching speech and debate—or you're just getting started and looking for guidance.If this sounds like you, and you're available to attend the full session, then this professional learning retreat is the perfect place to learn the ropes, build your confidence, and connect with others who are starting their journey too.
Don't let this incredible chance slip by! Teachers are encouraged to register TODAY, elevating their teaching careers while enriching civics education at your school.
And don’t forget, there is no specific teaching background required. We welcome educators from every discipline.
The workshop will explore all of the competitive speech and debate events, how to teach and coach them, and how to build / grow your program (whether you have a dedicated class or meet with your students after school) including promotion, recruiting judges, and developing your own class.
This training is FREE to our wonderful speech and debate educators. Hotel accommodations are provided at no cost. Travel reimbursement is also available up to $100.
*Registered participants who cancel within 5 business days of the retreat may be responsible for the full cost of the event which is valued at $875.
Participants are expected to be present for all hours of training.
Session 1: St. Augustine, FL, June 9-11
Guy Harvey Resort St. Augustine Beach
860 A1A Beach Boulevard
St. Augustine Beach FL 32080
Day 1, Monday, June 9th: 2-6pm
Day 2, Tuesday, June 10th: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Day 3, Wednesday, June 11th: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Session 2: Orlando, FL, June 13-15
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace - Disney Springs
1900 E. Buena Vista Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 USA
Day 1, Friday, June 13th: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Day 2, Saturday, June 14th: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Day 3, Sunday, June 15th: Training 8:30am-12pm
Session 3: Hollywood, FL, June 21-23
Marriott Hollywood Beach
2501 N. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
Day 1, Saturday, June 21st: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Day 2, Sunday, June 22nd: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Day 3, Monday, June 23rd: Training 8:30am-12pm
Session 4: Panama City Beach, FL, June 27-29
Hyatt Place Panama City
15727 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Day 1, Friday, June 27th: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Day 2, Saturday, June 28th: Training 8:30am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Day 3, Sunday, June 29th: Training 8:30am-12pm
