About this opportunity
Heritage High School lists this VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach opportunity in lynchburg, Virginia. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach
Title: VHSL High School Speech (Forensics) Coach
Department: Heritage High School
Salary Grade: Level 9
FLSA Status: Exempt
Site/Location: Heritage High School
Reports to: Athletic Director
Date: 08/19/2025
Position Summary
The Speech Coach is responsible for developing, organizing, and supervising the high school speech (forensics) program in accordance with Virginia High School League (VHSL) guidelines. The coach will foster student growth in public speaking, interpretation, argumentation, and performance while promoting a positive team culture, academic excellence, and competitive success. This is a stipend position based on district salary scales for extracurricular coaching roles.
Essential Functions
Recruit, train, and mentor students in VHSL-sanctioned forensics categories (e.g., Original Oratory, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Duo, Extemporaneous Speaking, etc.).
Organize and lead regular practice sessions focused on writing, editing, performance, and delivery.
Prepare students for competition by providing feedback, coaching techniques, and performance strategies.
Attend VHSL forensics tournaments (invitational, regional, super-regional, and state levels), acting as a chaperone and team leader.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of VHSL rules, category guidelines, and scoring rubrics.
Communicate with students, parents, and school administration regarding schedules, expectations, and competition logistics.
Collaborate with school faculty and staff to support student academic success.
Handle administrative duties such as registering students for tournaments, arranging transportation, and submitting required documentation.
Lynchburg City Schools Competencies
Honesty
Integrity
Ethical
Equity Minded
Emotional Intelligence
Cultural Competence
Safety
Quality
Models Excellent Customer Service
Thinks Strategically
Shows Initiative
Acts Decisively
Communicates Effectively
Works Collaboratively
Resolves Conflict Proactively
Technical Capabilities
Computer Literacy
Data Analysis and Management
Fiscal Planning and Management
Project Management
Strategic Planning
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree preferred, especially in English, Communications, Theater, or Education.
Prior experience in speech, debate, or forensics competition or coaching is highly preferred.
Evening and weekend availability is required for competitions and some practices.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Understanding of VHSL forensics rules and procedures (training available if needed).
Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor high school students.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Travel Requirements
Minimal travel may be required to and/or from sporting events within neighboring localities.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently stand; sit; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, type, or feel; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
LCS is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Job Status
Open
Salary
Please refer to LCS Employee Pay Scales found here:
Days
Start Date:
Worksite address
lynchburg, VA, 24513, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.