NFHS Unveils Speech and Debate Credential Through Learning Center

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has unveiled a new professional development pathway for speech and debate educators through the NFHS Learning Center.

The NFHS Speech and Debate Credential is designed to help speech and debate coaches, teachers, and educators guide students through these programs by encouraging additional education in the areas of implicit bias, first aid, afterschool security, mental health, and many more.

Speech and debate educators can earn a NFHS Level 1 Credential by completing a set of courses on the NFHS Learning Center. Required courses are “Adjudicating Speech and Debate,” “Implicit Bias,” “Protecting Students from Abuse” and “Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.”

Educators will then select two courses from the following: “Coaching Speech and Debate,” “Understanding Copyright and Compliance – Speech/Debate track,” “Speech and Debate Event Management” and “Engaging Effectively with Parents.” The final step to the Level 1 credential is completing at least two of the following courses: “Concussion in Sports,” “First Aid, Health and Safety,” “Bullying, Hazing and Inappropriate Behaviors,” “Afterschool Security” and “Teaching and Modeling Behavior.”

“We believe that educators who take eight of these courses will have a well-rounded view of what it means to not only coach speech and debate, but take care of their students as well,” said  Dr. James Weaver, NFHS director of performing arts and sports. “The credential is designed for new and veteran coaches alike and provides flexibility to choose what is most beneficial for each individual.”

There are many benefits to taking performing arts courses on NFHSLearn, including leadership, skill building and growth. NFHSLearn courses are a convenient, self-paced, online learning environment built for any device.

“This new national credential for speech and debate professionals is one of many credentials offered at the NFHS Learning Center,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS director of educational services. “We also offer national credentials for coaches, parents, and music professionals. We are excited to welcome speech and debate coaches and adjudicators to be able to earn this new national credential with the NFHS.”

The NFHS Learning Center, which has delivered more than 18 million courses since its inception in 2007, has earned national accreditation from Cognia, which recognizes schools and other education service providers that meet rigorous standards that focus on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meet the needs of learners, and effective leadership. The NFHS Learning Center currently offers more than 90 online courses, including more than 60 which are offered free for students, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, parents, officials, performing arts educators and others involved in high school activity programs.

The professional development opportunities for speech and debate coaches doesn’t stop with the new National Speech and Debate Credential on the NFHSLearn platform. The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is providing further education for interested coaches as a “Level 2” and “Level 3” credential as an expansion of the NFHS offerings. Check out NSDA Learn for additional information on Level 2 and Level 3 credentialing.

NSDA Learn is an ever-growing set of self-paced online professional development courses. “We recognize the importance and need to support the continued professional development of our educators and coaches, so we are thrilled to partner with the NFHS on this credentialing program,” said J. Scott Wunn, NSDA executive director.

Click on the credential page on the NFHS Learning Center to get started today.