May 14, 2024

The Power of Communication: The Role of Speech and Debate in the Christian School with Gail Nicholas Part One

18 minutes

Welcome to Teacher Edition with your host, Jenny Copeland. In this week's episode, we have the privilege of hosting Gail Nicholas, a distinguished educator renowned for her expertise in speech and debate instruction. Join us as Gail Nicholas delves into the intricacies of integrating oratory and argumentation disciplines into the fabric of Christian educational institutions.

Here's what you can expect:

Seamless Integration of Speech and Debate: Gain insights into integrating speech and debate programs into the school curriculum, optimizing benefits for students while navigating initial challenges.

Fostering Critical Thinking Skills: Take a deep dive into the development of critical thinking skills through speech and debate activities, empowering students to articulate their faith with confidence and conviction.

Unique Advantages in Christian Schools: Engage with thought-provoking discussions on the unique advantages speech and debate programs offer within a Christian school setting, shaping students into articulate ambassadors of faith in secular competitive arenas.

Essential Resources and Involvement: Receive practical advice on the resources, materials, and parental involvement essential for the success and sustainability of speech and debate initiatives.

Curious to learn more? Here are some highlights:

Personal Journey and Insights: Explore Gail Nicholas' personal journey and invaluable insights gleaned from years of dedication to speech and debate instruction.

Transformative Impact on Students: Discover compelling anecdotes illustrating the transformative impact of speech and debate participation on students' scholastic and vocational trajectories.

Adaptations Amidst Challenges: Uncover strategic adaptations made by speech and debate programs in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tune in today to gain profound insights and discover strategies for empowering students through the art of speech and debate!

About the Guest

Gail Nicholas, an educator with over 40 years of experience, holds degrees in social studies education and teaching history. Specializing in American government, she teaches at Bob Jones Academy alongside her husband Chuck, where they also coach speech and debate teams recognized nationally. Gail is distinguished as a 6-diamond key coach and Hall of Fame member of the National Speech and Debate Association. Beyond the academic year, she dedicates her summers to teaching speech and debate at Capitol Debate camps nationwide. Additionally, Gail directs a mock Senate for the American Association of Christian Schools at the Youth Legislative Training Conference in Washington, D.C. Above all else, Gail cherishes her role as grandmother to Emerson, a title she holds dear.