January 30, 2018 | A weekly publication of the National Speech & Debate Association

Dear Coach, 

Check out our upcoming team management trainings and opportunities to expand access to speech and debate below! 

Webinar Corner

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 four sessions on this topic. Pick the time below that works best for you and bring any questions you have regarding your team's roster! 
  • Tomorrow, January 31, at 8:00 p.m. CT
  • Monday, February 5, at 6:00 p.m. CT
  • Tuesday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. CT
  • Thursday, February 22, at 700 p.m. CT 
Public Forum Topic Webinar » The PF topic webinar is tonight, January 30, at 6:00 p.m. CT. Join Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation Tax Expert Dr. Ike Brannon for a discussion of the February topic, Resolved: The United States should abolish the capital gains tax. 

Blake Diversity & Inclusion Spotlight

We're excited to share a powerful speech from the 2017 Blake Diversity & Inclusion Conference!
In this presentation, Hall of Fame coach Byron Arthur addresses the value of solidarity in our community, reflects on his personal experiences, and discusses how our activity can attract and support an inclusive array of new coaches and students.  

Last Chance for Hall of Fame Nominations

Do you know an outstanding coach who belongs in the Hall of Fame? Individuals with 25 years of NSDA coach membership (e.g., a merit date of 1993 or earlier), or who are retired from coaching and teaching, are eligible for this prestigious award. Hall of Fame nominations are due this Friday, February 2. 

Expanding Access to Speech and Debate

Is there momentum for more speech and debate participation in your district? Our Communicators in the Classroom program in Broward County, Florida, has brought speech and debate to every middle and high school in the district!
Now, Broward County is extending this investment to elementary schools. Watch prior coverage of the program by PBS and contact us if your district might be interested in a similar partnership to build speech and debate. 

Download Black History Month Resources

Inspired by recommendations from the African American/Black Coaches’ Caucus and in partnership with Wiley College, we have created a series of classroom and tournament resources to celebrate Black History Month. 
Poster Series » Commemorate the month in your school or community with our special Spark Leaders posters featuring speech and debate coaches and alumni!
Black Playwrights and Authors » Looking for ways to incorporate Black History Month into your classroom? Check out our initial list of works by nearly 100 Black authors, compiled in partnership with Wiley College.
Tournament Resources » In addition, you’ll find Congress, Extemp, and Impromptu resources to enhance your next practice, classroom, or tournament experience during the month of February and beyond. 

Nominate a Student for National Recognition

The Exemplary Student Service Award will be given to a student who serves their school, community, city, state, or region using skills they honed through speech and debate. Nominate a student who upholds the highest standard of service, one of the core tenets of the Association’s Code of Honor, for recognition. Member students of all ages are eligible for this national award. Nominations close February 7! Plus, you can check out our Rostrum interview with last year's recipient here

Sign Up and Spread the Word about March 2

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. Join hundreds of other teams across the country and sign up to take part in our celebration! When you do, we will share resources and communications with you to make the day a huge success. 

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

Deadlines and Reminders

National Conference Registration » Join the many educators already registered for the 2018 National Conference! Be sure to take advantage of the early bird rate and register by March 5 at www.speechanddebate.org/conferences.
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. 
National Tournament Hotels » Room blocks are now available for the 2018 National Tournament. Learn more or book now at www.speechanddebate.org/nationals
Middle School Nationals » Mark your calendars, Middle School National Tournament registration opens February 15 at www.msnats.tabroom.com! Teams will be permitted to enter four entries per event and list additional students for consideration on the wait list. 
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