February 13, 2018 | A weekly publication of the National Speech & Debate Association

Dear Coach, 

This week, we bring you new resources, community updates, and information to help you prepare for the National Tournament. 

Planning for #Nats18

Our February CONNECT Focus Week centers on ways to save YOU time while preparing your students for a successful National Tournament. See the schedule, view the resources already available, and join us for our Twitter Chat this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. CT for advice from coaches! 

2018 National Educator of the Year Finalists

Congratulations to our finalists! On March 2, National Speech and Debate Education Day, one of these five coaches will be named the 2018 NSDA National Educator of the Year. 

Mary Gormley - Montville High School, NJ
Steve Meadows - Danville High School, KY
Tara Tate - Glenbrook South High School, IL
Sal Tinajero - Santa Ana Unified School District, CA
Rosie Valdez - Little Rock Central High School, AR

Empowerment through Speech and Debate

Join us July 28-31, 2018, for the second annual NSDA National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. We are excited to share a selection of conference sessions on the event page, all of which support our theme of Radiant Voices: Empowerment through Speech and Debate. Learn more about what we have planned and register by March 5 to take advantage of the early bird discount! 

Black History Month Resources

In case you missed it, we're celebrating Black History Month with a series of classroom and tournament resources created in partnership with Wiley College. View the collection and enhance your next practice, classroom, or tournament experience during the month of February and beyond. 

Team Toolkit 

We are focused on making March 2, National Speech and Debate Education Day, even bigger to reach more people! To do this, we need your team’s participation. Sign up to take part in our celebration and take advantage of our Team Toolkit! The kit includes celebration ideas, a timeline to help with planning, customizable templates, and much more.
Strapped for time? This is a great opportunity for a student or parent to be your team’s captain. Don't delay, sign them up here so they can get started planning today! 

Resources and Webinars 

Sample World Schools Motions » Members can access new prepared and impromptu motions from the Global Debate Symposium
Public Forum Topic Analysis » The February PF topic analysis from the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation is available for members.  
Lincoln-Douglas Topic Webinar » Join Matt Zwolinski, Political Philosophy Professor at the University of San Diego, on Thursday, February 15, at 6:00 p.m. CT for a discussion of the March/April Lincoln-Douglas topic. This training is brought to you by the Bill of Rights Institute
Ace Your Account Webinar » Join us for this training to gain tips and support for running your NSDA team online. NSDA Education and Recognition Coordinator Lauren McCool will host two more sessions on this topic. Pick the time below that works best for you and bring any questions you have regarding your team's roster! 
  • Today, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. CT
  • Thursday, February 22, at 700 p.m. CT 

Recognize Student Achievement

Your students have earned the right to be a member of the national honor society for speech and debate. Advisors, please take a few minutes today to register them for a lifetime membership! As the most established, respected, and well-recognized speech and debate organization, our honor society is a powerful mechanism for students to earn distinction among their peers for their commitment to speaking, debating, and interpreting literature. Make your students lifetime members today so they can continue to enter points and degrees and become eligible to receive their benefits. Learn more »

Deadlines and Reminders

Student of the Year » If you know an incredible graduating senior, please nominate them for your district's Student of the Year Award.
Schedule a Thank You Message » Send a special message to a teacher or administrator who has inspired you! Thank you grams will hit inboxes on March 2, National Speech and Debate Education Day. 
Coach and Principal of the Year » Nominate an outstanding coach or administrator at both the high school and middle school levels by April 6 for them to be considered for the following prestigious, national awards. 
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