Mike Bietz
Head Debate Coach, Harvard-Westlake School, 2007-2024 · Summer Debate Program Director, Harvard-Westlake School, 2014-2024 · Director, Victory Briefs, 2001-2014 · Head Lincoln-Douglas Debate Coach, Edina High School, 1999-2005 · Head Policy Debate Coach, Apple Valley High School, 1998-1999
The first and only coach from Southern California inducted into both the Tournament of Champions Coach Hall of Fame and the Emory University Barkley Forum Gold Key Society
Coached 2 NSDA National Champions, 2 TOC Champions, 2 NDCA Champions, 1 MSPDP National Champion, and 8 Novice National Champions, along with 85 other national championship elimination round participants
The first and only Asian-American coach recognized in the Tournament of Champions Coach Hall of Fame
Past-President of the National Debate Coaches Association
2+ decade member of the Tournament of Champions Advisory Committee
Board Member of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League
Teaching Interests
I coach all major debate formats for students in grades 4–12, including Lincoln-Douglas, Policy, Public Forum, World Schools, MSPDP, and written formats like IPPF. My focus is on building core skills—critical thinking, clear argumentation, and persuasive communication—regardless of format.
For students not on a team, I offer customized, low-pressure coaching that introduces debate fundamentals and builds academic confidence. Whether a student is exploring debate or looking to grow as a thinker and communicator, I tailor instruction to meet their goals.
Note: For almost all of my sessions I offer you the ability to add up to 3 additional students to each session for a reduced per-student rate. You will add them when you schedule each individual session at the rate of $40/student per session. It is the responsibility of the primary registrant to coordinate scheduling with the additional participant. All sessions will be arranged through the primary registrant; additional students may not book or reschedule sessions independently.Private/Semi-Private Custom Instruction
Hourly Instruction - $150/session
Hourly Packages - Discounted Hourly Rate
You can book a personalized & flexible package of sessions at a reduced hourly rate, with the freedom to schedule each one individually—perfect for fitting debate prep into your summer plans. I’ll work with you (and your coach, if desired) to build a personalized curriculum based on your goals, whether that’s advanced strategy, rebuilding a case, or sharpening cross-ex.
Want to prepare with a teammate or friend? You can add up to 3 additional students to any individual session for $40 each.
* 12-Session 1-Hour Package: $1530 (15% off hourly rate)
* 8-Session 1-Hour Package: $855 (10% off hourly rate)
* 6-Session 1-Hour Package: $1026 (5% off hourly rate)
Private/Semi-Private Debate Preparation Courses
These courses follow a structured curriculum designed to build skills over time—unlike tournament prep or fully customized coaching. You choose the schedule that works for you, but each session is part of a cohesive class series. Offered one-on-one or in small groups, these programs combine the flexibility of private instruction with the rigor of a full course.
Introduction to Lincoln-Douglas Debate - 10 Sessions: $900
This 10-session course offers a comprehensive introduction to Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate. Each 1-hour session builds foundational skills in argumentation, case writing, rebuttal structure, and cross-examination. Students will explore values-based reasoning, practice delivering speeches, and learn how to respond effectively under pressure. Designed for beginners or those transitioning from other formats, this course provides a structured path from first principles to full practice rounds.
Introduction to World Schools Debate - 10 Sessions: $900
This 10-session course introduces students to the World Schools Debate format, combining prepared and impromptu rounds in a dynamic team-based structure. Each 1-hour session covers key roles (first speaker, second speaker, third speaker, and reply), case construction, argument development, refutation, and style. Students will learn how to balance content, logic, and rhetoric while collaborating with teammates. The course emphasizes both strategic thinking and persuasive delivery, culminating in a full practice debate with feedback. Designed for students new to the format or looking to transition from other debate styles.
Introduction to Moral & Political Philosophy for Debaters - 10 Sessions: $900
This 10-session course explores the foundational ideas behind how we make ethical decisions and organize society. Each 1-hour session introduces students to major philosophical frameworks such as deontology, utilitarianism, and social contract theory, alongside applied topics like markets, fairness, and consent. Through accessible readings, guided discussion, and real-world examples, students learn to critically examine moral dilemmas and political structures. No prior philosophy background required—just curiosity and a willingness to think hard about right, wrong, and what we owe each other.
Introduction to Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP) - 8 Sessions: $750
This 8-session course introduces students to the Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP) format. Each 1-hour class covers key elements of public parliamentary-style debating: constructing cases, delivering speeches, effective refutation, and structured note-taking (flowing). Students will learn the rules, roles, and strategies unique to MSPDP and practice with age-appropriate topics. Designed for beginners, this course builds confidence, clarity, and critical thinking from the ground up.
Advanced Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP) - 8 Sessions: $600
Designed for students with prior MSPDP experience, this 8-session course deepens strategic understanding and competitive performance. Each 1-hour session will focus on advanced case strategy, sophisticated refutation, framing, judge adaptation, and in-round decision-making. Students will receive individualized feedback and engage in structured practice rounds. Ideal for those preparing for tournaments or aiming to refine their skills in a more competitive setting.
MSPDP Summer @ Occidental College
The intensive one-week summer MSPDP debate camp at Occidental College offers a dynamic and immersive experience for middle school students to develop their debate skills. Running from 9:00am to 3:00pm daily, the camp focuses on the Middle School Public Debate Program (MSPDP) format, which emphasizes critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork. Participants will engage in structured lessons, practice debates, and personalized feedback sessions to enhance their argumentation, rebuttal, and delivery techniques. The camp is designed to cater to both beginners and experienced debaters, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Space will be strictly limited.
Add a family member or friend for only $400 significant discount, payment due all at once.
Week 1: July 14-July 18: $700 (More information)
Week 2: July 21-July 25: $700 (More information)
Weeks 1 & 2 Package: $1260 (10% off per week) (More information)
Practice Round Feedback
$100/75 minutes (the price includes all participants of the practice round*)
Practice debates are one of the most effective ways to prepare for NSDA Nationals. I offer targeted, high-level practice rounds that simulate real tournament conditions—complete with detailed feedback on strategy, argument execution, and judge adaptation. Whether you need to pressure-test a new case or build confidence in high-stakes situations, these sessions are designed to sharpen your edge before you step into competition.
*Registrant is responsible for securing time with teammates and opponents.
Academic Enrichment - Grades 5 & 6
Lorum Ip