This highly competitive program is the first of its kind to educate and develop prospective and beginning Lincoln-Douglas debate coaches. While there are several outstanding teacher education programs offered at other summer debate institutes, nearly all of them are geared towards experienced or mid-career instructors. Curriculum structure NDF Fellows serve in a role similar to graduate students in a university academic department. The professional development portion of the curriculum features instruction in teaching and coaching methodologies, professional conduct and ethics, team and lab administration, motivational strategies, as well as professional experience in the form of supervised teaching sessions and evaluating practice debates. The daily time commitment is demanding as Fellows adhere to the normal instructional schedule during the day and meet with the Forum directors and lead instructors for professional development seminars in the evening.
Fellows gain valuable experience in institute administration throughout the program.
Under the supervision of an NDF Director, each Fellow will develop and deliver a seminar or lecture to be presented to the institute student body and faculty as a culminating project. In addition, each Fellow will research and write a research paper or article for publication on a topic related to forensic education. Upon successful completion of the program, Fellows will receive a certificate of completion from the National Debate Forum. Applicants should have three years or less Lincoln-Douglas debate coaching experience at the time of application. At the present time, The National Debate Forum does not offer a professional development program for mid-career or experienced coaches.