Schools

The International Speech & Debate Academy (ISDA) partners with schools around the world to build dynamic, sustainable speech and debate programs. Each partnership is tailored to the school’s goals, experience level, and calendar—ranging from short-format workshops to comprehensive year-round coaching.

ISDA student programming is designed to meet schools where they are, providing customizable support that can include any combination of instruction, curriculum, and competitive guidance. Whether your students are discovering debate for the first time or preparing for major tournaments, ISDA offers a pathway that fits.

ISDA programming is designed in consultation with the Harvard Debate Council as part of our joint mission to expand speech and debate opportunities to students around the world.

Introductory Program

Program Outline:

7 Weeks
10.5 Hours of Instruction
$500.00 per student

Enrollment:

Minimum: 6 Students
10% Discount applied when enrollment reaches 15 or more students

Instruction:

7 Instructional Sessions
- 1.5 Hours per Session

Includes:

Instruction
Ongoing ISDA Consultation on program development
10% discount on additional ISDA programming (e.g. camps, tutoring)

Additional Programming Available

Tournament coaching
Teacher certification

Core School-Year Program

Program Outline:

15 Hours of Instruction
$900.00 per student

Enrollment:

Minimum: 6 Students
10% Discount applied when enrollment reaches 15 or more students

Instruction:

15 total instructional hours delivered over the school year
- Flexible delivery including: weekly meetings, workshops, hybrid models, etc.

Includes:

Instruction
Coaching for one online competition per school year
One ISDA Teacher Certification
Ongoing ISDA consultation on program development
10% discount on additional ISDA programming (e.g. camps, tutoring)

Comprehensive School-Year Program

Program Outline:

30 hours of Instruction
$1500.00 per student

Enrollment:

Minimum: 6 Students
10% Discount applied when enrollment reaches 15 or more students

Instruction:

30 total instructional hours delivered over the school year
- Flexible delivery including: weekly meetings, workshops, hybrid models, etc.

Includes:

Instruction
Coaching for one online competition per school year
One ISDA Teacher Certification
Ongoing ISDA consultation on program development
10% discount on additional ISDA programming (e.g. camps, tutoring)

Tournament Coaching

Online Competitions
- $250.00 per coaching day

In-Person Competitions
- $350.00 per coaching day plus travel expenses
- Schools must provide a chaperpone for all in-person competitions

ISDA Certification Program for Teachers, Coaches, and Administrators

The ISDA Certification Program for Teachers, Coaches, and Administrators equips educators and school leaders to design, lead, and sustain competitive speech and debate programs aligned within the global ecosystem of elite competitions. Each certification includes 12–15 hours of hybrid learning delivered over 4–6 weeks or 6-7 intensive days, with global time-zone options for live participation.

Level 1 - ISDA Instructor Certification

Duration: 12–15 hours · 4–6 weeks or 6–7 days

Format: Hybrid (live + asynchronous)

Purpose:

Certifies a designated faculty member or administrator to launch and lead speech and debate programs that meet international standards of excellence.

Key Learning Areas - Introduction to ISDA & Global Formats (Impromptu, Original Oratory, Extemp, World Schools, Public Forum)

- Foundations of Debate Pedagogy and Classroom Integration

- Curriculum and Practice Design

- Coaching Techniques and Feedback Strategies

- Tournament Logistics, Judging, and Ethics

- Capstone: 4-Week Implementation Plan for School or Club Program

Tuition: $600 / participant

(Includes certification, instructional materials and lesson plans)

Level 2 - Advanced Certification (Launching June 2027)

Duration: 12–15 hours · 4–6 weeks or 6–7 days

Format: Hybrid or Intensive

Prerequisite: Level 1 Certification (or equivalent experience)

Purpose:

Expands instructor and coach expertise through advanced, event-specific training and program leadership development.

Advanced Tracks (choose one):

1. World Schools Debate Track

2. Public Forum Debate Track

3. Speech Track

4. Tournament Administration Track

Tuition: $750 / participant

(Includes certification, instructional materials and lesson plans)

Debate Across the Curriculum (DAC) (Launching June 2027)

Duration: 12–15 hours · 4–6 weeks or 6–7 days

Format: Hybrid (live + asynchronous)

Purpose:

Equips teachers and administrators in any subject area to use debate as a tool for communication,

collaboration, and critical thinking.

Tuition: $750 / participant

(Includes certification, instructional materials and lesson plans)

Scheduling Options & 2026-2027 Calendar*

Debate Across the Curriculum Overview

The International Speech and Debate Academy (ISDA) helps educators integrate debate and argumentation into everyday teaching.

Through the Debate Across the Curriculum workshop, teachers learn to use structured speaking, reasoning, and questioning to strengthen critical thinking, engagement, and academic rigor across all disciplines.

Workshop Format

1–3 Day Professional Development Workshop

Flexible to meet your school’s goals, this program introduces debate pedagogy, models practical classroom strategies, and guides teachers in developing lessons that foster inquiry and argument-based learning.
Extended sessions include peer coaching, assessment design, and curriculum mapping for full program integration.

Sample Day Schedule

ISDA Debate Bootcamp Overview

The ISDA Debate Bootcamp develops students’ communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through experiential learning in debate, public speaking, and critical thinking.

Available for 1-3 days, this workshop builds confidence, teaches argumentation and rebuttal, and culminates in practice rounds or a showcase debate.

Workshop Format

1–3 Day Student Development Workshop

Students participate in interactive lessons, drills, and practice debates that strengthen reasoning and collaboration.
The flexible schedule can be adapted for beginner enrichment or advanced competitive preparation, both in-person and online.

Outcomes

Confidence in public speaking and teamwork
Critical thinking and research ability
Leadership and communication skills
Preparation for global debate competition
ISDA Certificate of Completion

Sample Day Schedule

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