“CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL HERE.”
sUMMER 2026
Private DEBATE Packages
With Mike Bietz
I created these summer packages for debaters at every level, from beginners to advanced students, who want individualized coaching, faster growth, and a competitive edge for the new season. Each package includes a discounted hourly rate and flexible scheduling to fit your family’s summer plans. Whether your student is just learning debate or wants to sharpen skills before the fall, summer is the best time to build momentum.
Like a language or an instrument, debate skills fade without practice. A strong summer keeps students sharp, confident, and ready to hit the ground running when the season begins.
If you do not see a package that fits your child’s needs (maybe they do not do Lincoln-Douglas debate), please use the contact form below and we can discuss designing a custom program.
AVAILABLE PACKAGES
Scheduling Notes
Since the NSDA releases the list of potential topics in late June, sessions beginning July 1 will use the potential topics for the 2026–2027 season; sessions after August 1 will use the confirmed September/October 2026 topic.
I’m happy to discuss the curriculum with coaches before we begin, and I can tailor the sessions to the circuit your student is most likely to compete in.
I will be at the NSDA National Tournament from June 13–21, so I will likely not be available for sessions. I will also be directing a camp at Macalester College from June 28–July 10, so my availability during that period will be limited.
Because of these scheduling restrictions, space will be limited and sessions will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis. You may schedule all of your sessions up front, or book them as needed.
Any unused summer sessions may be applied during the season at the same discounted rate.
TOPIC HEAD START: ONE-HOUR OVERVIEWS OF THE 2026–2027 TOPICS (6 one-hour sessions)
In late June, the National Speech and Debate Association will release its list of potential Lincoln-Douglas topics for the 2026–2027 season. This six-session package offers a focused survey of the potential topics for September/October, November/December, and January/February. For each topic area, I will provide an overview of the main issues as well as case and argument strategy.
This six-session package is designed as an introduction and survey of the potential topics. The twelve-session package goes much more in depth and covers more advanced strategy. (Note: If you schedule a session prior to July 1, we will need to discuss what will be covered knowing the topic-specific overviews will be truncated).
Price: $970 (10% off normal hourly rate)
TOPIC HEAD START - Advanced: Topic OVERVIEWS with Advanced Strategies for THE 2026/2027 TOPICS (12 one-hour Sessions)
This is the advanced version of previously listed 6-session package. With the additional sessions we will incorporate more advanced strategies into the sessions, including Policy debate strategies like plans, counter-plans, and disadvantages, as well as strategies rooted in academia such as philosophy and critical theory, For experienced debaters who do not normally use or encounter these strategies, we will focus heavily on casing strategies for a more traditional Lincoln-Douglas approach. (Note: Any sessions scheduled prior to July 1 will be used to introduce some of the aforementioned advanced concepts and strategies).
This package will be especially helpful for experienced debaters who anticipate having a busy school-year where debate preparation may occasionally need to take a backseat to school or other commitments.
Price: $1835 (15% off normal hourly rate), + free 1-hour private session during the season.
From Novice to Varsity: Preparing for the 2nd Season (10 one-hour Sessions)
For many debaters, the second season feels very different from the first. The arguments are more complex, the strategies are more advanced, and the expectations are higher. In the first season, students are often debating other novices before judges who may not require as much depth. By the second season, they are facing more experienced opponents and judges who expect sharper, more sophisticated analysis.
From Novice to Varsity: Preparing for the 2nd Season is designed to help students make that transition successfully. Through ten one-hour sessions, we’ll build the skills, confidence, and competitive habits needed to step into the second season ready to grow.
Price: $1530 (15% off normal hourly rate)
Beginning Lincoln-Douglas Debate (6 one-hour Sessions)
This package is built for students who are new to Lincoln-Douglas and want to develop strong fundamentals through personalized coaching. Over six one-hour sessions, we’ll focus on the format, foundational arguments, and confidence needed to get started the right way.
Price: $970 (10% off normal hourly rate)
Beginning Lincoln-Douglas Debate (10 one-hour Sessions)
This package is built for students who are new to Lincoln-Douglas and want to develop strong fundamentals through personalized coaching. Over six one-hour sessions, we’ll focus on the skills, structure, and confidence needed to get started the right way. The four additional sessions will focus on preparing for the potential topics for the 2026/2027 Season.
Price: $1530 (15% off normal hourly rate)
FULLY CUSTOMIZED SUMMER CURRICULUM (6-10 ONE-HoUR SESSIONS)
If you don’t see anything above that fits what you’re looking for this summer, please fill out the form below and we can discuss putting together a package that fits your summer debate goals. Maybe you’re going to camp and you want help synthesizing everything you’re being taught? Maybe you do a style of debate that is not Lincoln-Douglas. We can chat, and if we can figure out a good fit, that’s great. If not, no harm done.
Price: (10-15% off normal hourly rate, depending on the number of sessions), + free 1-hour private session during the season.
“Mike Bietz was one of the truly exceptional teachers I’ve had in my life. As coach, he cultivated a team environment that was both encouraging and supportive. He fostered our curiosity and motivated us into hard work. He taught us to navigate the emotions of competition -- to ride the highs and lows. Learning to debate was a transformative experience for me. I am forever grateful that Mike Bietz was my coach. ”
Ben Sprung-Keyser, Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, NSDA LD National Champion, World College Debate Champion, Harvard College; Rhodes ScholarQuestions? Looking For A custom Package?
If you're interested in working with me, but have questions about my offerings, or might be interested in putting together a customized package, complete the form with a few details about what you’re looking for. I'll review your message and get back to you within 72 hours.