Alyssa Lucas-Bolin

I teach policy debate, advanced debate, speech, and human rights courses

I am currently reforming our community norms by emphasizing equity and collaboration

I foster a supportive learning environment by promoting teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members.

I mentor novice debaters with patience, understanding their unique strengths while addressing areas needing improvement.

I prepare students for local, regional, and national tournaments by developing tailored coaching plans targeting specific skill development.

In the summers of 2019, 2020, and 2021, I was a lab leader at the University of Michigan Debate Institute. I took two years off to teach summer school but I am returning as a seven week instructor this summer. I work with rising juniors in high school debate for seven weeks. I am responsible for research, running and judging practice debates, managing lab logistics, and community building.

I run an approximately 100 student debate team. This includes teaching novice and varsity debate classes. I also coordinate research, run practices, and handle all team logistics. Part of my responsibilities involve running the largest debate tournament in the country. Additionally, I teach non debate social studies classes including United States History and International Relations.

While in this position, I became a Barkley Forum Gold Key Coach at Emory University.

As part of my current job, I also serve as the secretary for the Illinois Debate Coaches Association.

Prior to being promoted to Director of Debate, I was an assistant coach at my current place of employment. I was responsible for research, running practices, and traveling with students to tournaments. I also gained a variety of teaching experience in both English and Social Studies.

While in this position, I won the National Debate Coaches Association Rising Star Award.