Coach, check out the first District Leader Digest!
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So many of you have already started school, and it is exciting to learn that, despite the challenges teachers and coaches face, there is a lot of hope for this year’s speech and debate season.
This is our first District Leader Digest—a new style of newsletter we’re using to share information specific to district leaders and the work you do as District Committees. Instead of being full of requests and deadlines (those will be shared via the District Leader Checklist), this monthly email will feature information, resources, and celebrations with the intention of supporting the work you do as leaders. If we jog your memory by popping up in your inbox, don’t worry—we’ll link to your checklist so you’ll have all the info at the ready. Let’s get into it!
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Don't Forget - District Leader Checklist!
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On August 3, district leaders received their first District Leader Checklist. At the beginning of each month, all district leaders will receive an email with the current month’s deadlines and to-dos. This list will help you to be prepared and well informed from the start! In addition to being linked in the email, the list is downloadable and bookmarkable. Some of the items on the checklist are for chairs to do, but there are also items for all District Committee members.
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In end of the year feedback, District Committee members shared that they are interested in learning how other districts operate. From recruiting and judge training to coach retention and district tournament schedules, we want to highlight the smart strategies your committees have implemented so others may learn from your wisdom and experience!
Do you have a strategy or process that is working well for your district? Now is the time to brag! Share your ideas with Lauren McCool by emailing her at lauren.mccool@speechandebate.org.
This month, our staff would like to highlight the method the Arkansas District uses to select its World Schools Debate team. Arkansas has fielded teams over the past four years that have advanced to the triple octafinals, the double octafinals, and the quarterfinals. Now, for the 2024 National Tournament, they are seeking to “not only replicate these achievements but go even further!” Once the team is selected during the first semester, the students have the opportunity to work and practice together all season long! Check out their application process, their application, and their recruiting flier!
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Practical Professional Development
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There are so many new district leaders this term! If you are new (or need a refresher), we encourage you to take our NSDA Learn: District Leader Onboarding course. This course is designed to help district leaders assess, sustain, and improve their NSDA district. Seasoned and new leaders alike will benefit from this course as it strives to incorporate best practices and strategies that will help each NSDA district thrive regardless of its demographics. If you're a new chair, you may want to pay extra attention to the section of the course on District Finances so that your district is in good legal and financial standing.
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Meet the Team: Q&A with Kara Smith, Competition and Events Manager
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Please introduce yourself!
I am a four-diamond coach who served as a district leader in Idaho, but I’ve recently moved to the island of Oahu in Hawaii! I enjoy reading, snorkeling, puzzles, watching movies, spending time with family, especially my two daughters (Schylar and Olivia), and three miniature dachshunds (Blitz, Stella, and Bella).
How does your role support district leaders?
My role oversees the district tournament series, so I will be helping district chairs/committees get through their tournaments with regards to rules, setup, etc. If you have a question about your district tournament, I’ll be the one who answers it!
What are you excited about for your first year on staff?
I’m excited to use my knowledge as a former district leader and educator to help districts provide the best tournament spaces for their students to learn and grow as critical thinkers and speakers
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As a bit of a throwback, we’d like to once again celebrate all of the district chairs who earned a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award at the end of 2023. This annual award recognizes the longevity and success of district chairs. Each year that a district chair completes earns them between 1 and 8 units (depending on the combined strength of their district). When a chair earns four units, they earn the bronze award, six units earn the silver award, and eight earns the gold award. We are so thankful that these leaders shared their time and expertise.
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