Instructor Application

Independent contractors—former debaters, coaches, and educators—who work with students and programs across the country. Some teach full-time. Others do it alongside school, work, or coaching.

You set your availability. Students book based on your calendar. No forced hours, no minimums. You’re in control.

We will set a baseline general availability, like weekdays from 5pm-9pm, and then we’ll sync your calendar that will block off times that you are busy, even within your general availability. When someone books with you, that time will be automatically blocked off to prevent duplicate booking.

Rates vary by experience, event, and context. Most instructors charge $50 and $100 per hour, with lead instructors charging more. You keep 70% of what you charge - a better rate than most online platforms. We require you charge a minimum of $50/hour. Let us know if you have a special circumstance and want to charge some group of kids less. We’re happy to work with you.

A mix of elementary school, middle school, and high school students—some preparing for competition, others building academic skills. We also work directly with schools and programs, not just individuals.

We would encourage you to reach out to your network as well.

LD, PF, Policy, Congress, MSPDP, World Schools, and non-competitive academic enrichment. You only teach what you know and enjoy.

And honestly, if you come to us and say you’d like to offer another debate-adjacent activity, we’d love to hear your ideas.

We’re not just a tutoring service—we exist to strengthen debate as an educational force. That means supporting school-based programs, not undermining them. It means building up students and coaches. It means prioritizing access, integrity, and long-term development over short-term profit.

We connect instructors to students, but we also work with schools, build curriculum, and fight for the future of debate as something more than a résumé filler. If you care about that too, you’re in the right place.

Responsiveness, reliability, and respect for students. You’re a contractor, but you’re also part of a network. Students (and schools) are trusting you to take this seriously.

Not necessarily. But you do need to communicate clearly, show up on time, and work well with students and families. We’ll help with training and support if you’re a good fit.

We’ll review your application. If everything looks good, we’ll reach out to schedule a short video call. After that, we’ll walk you through onboarding and help you get set up.

Pitch it. We’re always looking for great ideas—especially ones that align with our mission to support school-based debate and academic enrichment. If you’re already onboarded, just reach out. If not, mention it during our video call.

Your own profile page. Every instructor gets a unique link to their page. We can also provide a QR code you can print or share.

Your network. The best early clients are people who know your work—former teammates, coaches, or families from your circuit. We encourage you to reach out, and we’re happy to include quotes or references from people who vouch for you.

Promotion. Got an idea for a post, reel, or campaign? Let’s talk. You’re welcome (and encouraged) to promote yourself on your own social media. We can help amplify it.

No. You should be honest, not embarrassed. Mike Bietz, one of the most accomplished coach in debate history, never got on a plane as a debater, never broke at State or Nationals, and didn’t even know what the TOC was. He didn’t start with prestige. He built it—by showing up, teaching well, and caring about the right things.

Debate Matters doesn’t need 100 versions of Bietz or Theis. It needs people who are grounded, reliable, and ready to help students grow. You don’t need a national title. You need judgment, command of the subject, and the ability to communicate it. Legends come later. Right now, just be solid.