Teachers who coach debate are essential to help Urban Debate Leagues fulfill their mission: helping students become more academically successful and civically engaged through the rigor of debate. This award honors that work.
We are asking that each league nominate one coach who you believe deserves national recognition.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- High school teacher and coach
- Full-time teacher at the school for which they coach
- Coached in the league for at least one year
- Must coach at a school with a free and reduced lunch rate of 75% or higher (to confirm this number contact lukehill@urbandebate.org)
Application Deadline is November 30, 2026
The Coach of the Year will be announced in January 2027. There will be opportunities for the Debater & Coach of the Year to be featured by NAUDL, which may include speaking at larger audiences like the UDNC (March 19-21, 2027).
Please contact Taylor Beck (taylorbeck@urbandebate.org) with any questions.