Congressional Debate/Model Congress
Learn key skills & attitudes for Congressional Debate/Student Congress/Model Congress
Congressional Debate models the lawmaking process in a democratic society. Our unique workshop exposes students to key skills and attitudes needed in both competitive Congressional Debate/Student Congress, as well as Model Congress.
Our focus is fostering students’ sustained growth and improvement, not just preparing for the next competition. This happens in an innovative, fun, and safe atmosphere that encourages students to reach beyond their potential. Respected and experienced classroom teachers employ layer-in skills methodically to ensure mastery, complemented by reflective learning, and personal goal setting. This is augmented with extensive use of technology, including video capture of practice speeches, as well as individualized attention and personal development. We convey knowledge, build skills, and foster a disposition that emphasizes leadership over mere competitiveness.
Level: All Levels
Summer 2019 Sessions:
Session One: Sunday June 30, 2019 through Friday July 12, 2019
Session Two: Sunday July 14, 2019 through Friday July 26, 2019
Tuition:
Resident: 3,195.00
Student Testimonials:
“I loved the intensiveness of it. I was thrilled to find that this wouldn’t be a walk in the park, and that it was intellectually stimulating.”
“It was well worth the money for the opportunity to meet some of the best at congressional debate.”
“I honestly learned more about Congress and related topics in 10 days than I have in months at my school. It is a very entertaining and informative camp and I would definitely come back.”
“I love how the experience was personalized. For example, my main problem in Congress was my lack of extemporaneous speaking, eye contact, and refutation – basically, I was accustomed to reciting mostly prepared speeches. Within a few days, we were doing so many speeches that I was both encouraged and forced to change.”
About Program
Philosophy
We empower students to become critical thinkers, collaborative decision-makers, and ethical leaders while cultivating a unique style to set them apart from other debaters.
Sample Schedule
Morning: Lecture: Congressional Economics
Late Morning: Prep Time: Legislation, Authorship Speeches
After Lunch: Workshop: Questioning and Answering
Mid-Afternoon: Seminar: Squad Management, Recruitment and Retention
Late Afternoon: Workshop: Parli. Procedure/Presiding
After Dinner: Prep Time & Speeches
Hear From Our Students
Learning Objectives
Current Events
Theory
Argumentation
Parlimentary Procedure
Ethics and Leadership
Faculty
Adam Jacobi
Curriculum Coordinator
High School/College Debate Experience: Participated in speech, debate, and Model UN in high school; moot court in college
Joshua Wurzman
Instructor
School Affiliation: Success Academy High School, New YorkTitle:Director of Speech and Debate
Number of Years at School: 3 (since school opened)
High School/College Debate Experience:
Plano Senior-Finalist Extemp (TFA/UIL), RD 14 NFL PFD 2005
Indiana Univ. and Univ. of TX-Speech Teams
Teaching/Coaching Experience: 10 Years
Previously taught: 1 Year at Southlake Carroll (TX), Spring HS (TX), KUGNUS ACTS – Hagwan for Korean students
Other Relevant Info: Earn NSDA Diamond (2017); will be starting Teachers College at Columbia University this fall for a Masters in Education Policy
Sarem Haq
Instructor
School Affiliation: El Camino Real Charter HS (CA)College: I will be studying Political Science at American University in Washington, DC in the Fall.
Title:Captain of Speech and Debate Team
Number of Years at School: 4
High School Debate Experience: Champion, Stanford (’17); 14th, Harvard (’17); Champion, Cal State, Long Beach (’16); Champion, Cal State, Fullerton (’16); Semifinals, NCFL Nationals (’16); 10th California State Tournament (’16); also competed extensively in Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Oratorical Interpretation, and Parliamentary Debate.
Coaching Experience: 3 years, assistant instructor, El Camino Real Charter HS.
Other Relevant Info: Sarem has been primary coach for his mostly student-run and funded team. His team has achieved success under his guidance, qualifying to NSDA Nationals, NCFL Nationals, TOC, the CHSSA California State Tournament, as well as many members advancing to out-rounds at tournaments such as Harvard and Stanford.
Victoria Beard
Instructor
School Affiliation: Spring Woods High School in Houston, TexasTitle: Director of Forensics
Number of Years at School: 12
High School/College Debate Experience: competed 2 years in high school; 4 years in college
Teaching/Coaching Experience: 34 years teaching, 18 years coaching
Other Relevant Info: Ms. Beard has a Bachelor’s in Speech and Theatre and a Master’s in Theatre. She was selected as Educator of the Year for the Texas Speech and Communication Association (2013) and teaches courses annually at the TSCA conference. She was also selected as Spring Woods’ Teacher of The Year (2013) and as Spring Branch ISD Teacher of the Year finalist (2013). Ms. Beard has coached state champions (Texas Forensic Association and The University Interscholastic League), and national champions (The Tournament of Champions), and national finalists (National Speech and Debate Association). This is her 12th year as the UIL Academic Coordinator for Spring Woods High School and serves on the NSDA Committee for the Space City Chapter.
Years Previously Taught at other workshops: For the past 9 years, organized and taught a speech and debate summer camp for Spring Branch ISD high schools in Houston.
Register for 2019
Applications are open and the deadline has been extended until April 1st.