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 work with students from elementary school through high school on the full range of debate-related skills—whether you’re just starting out or preparing for a national final round. My main areas of instruction include:
Strategic coaching for competitive debaters in all debate formats
Custom 1-on-1 or small group instruction tailored to individual goals
Practice rounds with in-depth feedback on argument execution and judge adaptation
Debate preparation courses built around structured curricula
Academic enrichment classes that translate debate skills into real-world tools: argumentation, research literacy, and public speaking - appropriate for both debaters and non-debaters
Specialized support for new or developing programs, including coach mentorship and curriculum planning
Ethical and effective communication in the digital age, including social media literacy and critical media consumption
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your edge for a tournament, build foundational thinking skills, or learn how to navigate information overload, I teach with clarity, purpose, and a focus on long-term growth.
Small Group Option
All private sessions—whether custom instruction, course-based, or practice rounds—can be made semi-private. You may add additional students (up to 3 total) for $40 per student, per session. This is a flexible option for siblings, friends, or teammates who want to learn together while keeping costs manageable.
Private/Semi-Private Custom Hourly Instruction
Private and semi-private custom instruction is tailored entirely to your needs—no pre-set curriculum, no filler. Every session is built from scratch to match the student’s goals, skill level, and learning style. Because this is truly individualized instruction, it’s priced at a premium. You’re not buying a class; you’re hiring a strategist.
Academic Enrichment Courses
These are 10-session classes (60 minutes each) that take the core skills developed in competitive debate and apply them to real-world contexts. The full series includes:
Argumentation & Critical Thinking
Research & Media Literacy
Presentations & Public Speaking
Each course builds on the one before it—skills learned in Argumentation and Research become essential tools in the Presentations course. These classes are ideal for students not currently on a debate team as well as debaters looking to strengthen the real-world application of their skills: making persuasive arguments, evaluating sources, and communicating with clarity across academic and professional settings.
A major theme across the series is the impact of social media on communication, thinking, and identity. Students learn to recognize the ways digital platforms shape what we see and believe—and how to engage with these platforms responsibly, ethically, and strategically. Courses incorporate age-appropriate discussions and tools for navigating the online world with critical awareness and personal agency.
Courses are offered in three levels to match student development:
Grades 5 & 6
This level introduces upper elementary students to the essential thinking and communication skills that form the foundation of debate and strong academic performance. Courses are designed to be engaging, accessible, and confidence-building—helping students learn to think clearly, ask better questions, express themselves effectively, and begin evaluating information critically. All content is age-appropriate, discussion-based, and structured to encourage participation without pressure.
Grades 7, 8, & 9
These courses deepen students’ ability to think critically, analyze information, and communicate effectively—skills essential for success in school and beyond. With more independence and complexity than the elementary level, students begin to construct more sophisticated arguments, evaluate sources with nuance, and speak with greater clarity and confidence. Digital awareness and media responsibility continue to be central themes, with age-appropriate discussions around influence, ethics, and information overload.
Grades 10, 11, & 12
At the high school level, these courses focus on refining argumentation, research, and presentation into tools for leadership, academic excellence, and civic engagement. Students are challenged to think with greater independence, synthesize information across disciplines, and communicate with both precision and ethical awareness. Real-world application is a central theme—whether preparing for college, engaging with current events, or advocating for change. Media literacy includes platform influence, algorithmic bias, and reputation management in the digital age.
Academic Enrichment - Grades 5 & 6
This level introduces upper elementary students to the essential thinking and communication skills that form the foundation of debate and strong academic performance. Courses are designed to be engaging, accessible, and confidence-building—helping students learn to think clearly, ask better questions, express themselves effectively, and begin evaluating information critically. All content is age-appropriate, discussion-based, and structured to encourage participation without pressure.
Course 1: Arguments are Everywhere
Argumentation & Critical Thinking for Grades 5 & 6
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
Students learn to build arguments, question ideas, and think more clearly about the world around them. This course introduces logical structure, everyday reasoning, and respectful disagreement through games, discussion, and simple frameworks.
Course 2: Sorting Truth from Trash
Research & Media Literacy for Grades 5 & 6
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
Students explore how to ask better questions, evaluate sources, and tell the difference between real information and digital junk. The course builds early habits of healthy skepticism and responsible media use.
Course 3: Speak Up, Think Clear
Presentations & Public Speaking for Grades 5 & 6
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
This course helps students organize their thoughts and express them with confidence. Focused on clarity and presence over perfection, students practice informal speaking, storytelling, and short presentations in a supportive environment.
Academic Enrichment - Grades 7, 8, & 9
These courses deepen students’ ability to think critically, analyze information, and communicate effectively—skills essential for success in school and beyond. With more independence and complexity than the elementary level, students begin to construct more sophisticated arguments, evaluate sources with nuance, and speak with greater clarity and confidence. Digital awareness and media responsibility continue to be central themes, with age-appropriate discussions around influence, ethics, and information overload.
Course 1: Make Your Case
Argumentation & Critical Thinking for Grades 7–9
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
Students learn how to frame persuasive arguments, evaluate opposing views, and sharpen their reasoning. This course expands on foundational logic and introduces students to argument structure, fallacy recognition, and strategic thinking through guided practice and real-world examples.
Course 2: Info Overload Survival Guide
Research & Media Literacy for Grades 7–9
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
Students dig into how information is created, shared, and manipulated online. They learn how to find reliable sources, avoid traps like clickbait and bias, and develop the research habits needed for both schoolwork and daily life in a media-saturated world.
Course 3: Present Like You Mean It
Presentations & Public Speaking for Grades 7–9
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
This course helps students deliver their ideas with clarity and purpose. Through practice in speeches, discussions, and multimedia presentations, students learn to adapt to different audiences, use persuasive techniques, and build confidence in public settings.
Academic Enrichment - Grades 10, 11, & 12
At the high school level, these courses focus on refining argumentation, research, and presentation into tools for leadership, academic excellence, and civic engagement. Students are challenged to think with greater independence, synthesize information across disciplines, and communicate with both precision and ethical awareness. Real-world application is a central theme—whether preparing for college, engaging with current events, or advocating for change. Media literacy includes platform influence, algorithmic bias, and reputation management in the digital age.
Course 1: Power, Proof, and Persuasion
Argumentation & Critical Thinking for Grades 10–12
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
Students deepen their understanding of argument as a strategic act—learning how to construct nuanced positions, respond to counterarguments, and deploy rhetoric effectively. Emphasis is placed on clarity, logical structure, and adapting arguments to different audiences and contexts.
Course 2: Knowing is a Skill
Research & Media Literacy for Grades 10–12
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
This course trains students to be discerning consumers and producers of information. They learn advanced techniques for verifying sources, detecting manipulation, and navigating complex media ecosystems. Special focus is given to ethical research, algorithmic influence, and digital self-awareness.
Course 3: Speak with Intent
Presentations & Public Speaking for Grades 10–12
10 sessions (1 hour each) – $900
Designed for students ready to lead, this course helps refine their voice and presence across formal and informal settings. From speeches to interviews to multimedia presentations, students learn to connect with audiences, communicate strategically, and present with conviction and control.
Not Sure What You Need?
If you’re unsure which course is the right fit—or don’t see exactly what you’re looking for—I offer a free 20-minute consultation to talk through options.
Whether you’re a parent, student, or coach, we can design something that works for your goals and schedule.
Or visit our Contact section and reach out via email, phone, text, or WhatsApp.