DEBATE/FORENSICS
Joe Walberg
Director of Speech & Debate, Social Studies Teacher
Joe Walberg
Director of Speech & Debate, Social Studies Teacher | Mother Teresa
Joe Walberg is a Parent, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Nerd, Believer, Ultracrepidarian, Cartophile, and head coach of the Speech and Debate team of St. James Academy. He was the 2017 recipient of the SJA Teacher of Excellence award, a 2020 Fellow of the Duc in Altum Catholic Schools Collaborative, and the 2022 District New Coach of the Year for the National Speech and Debate Association. He and his wife Erin are raising two lucky-but-unimpressed children, Leah and Jack.
Isaiah 46:8-10 - Remember this and consider, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention."
Certifications
History Government and Social Studies 6-12, Speech/Theatre 6-12, Business 6-12, Technology Education 6-12
Education
University of Kansas: B.G.S. Political Science
Avila University: Master of Arts in Education: Teaching and Learning
SPEECH/Debate/Forensics CLASSES
SPEECH
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
This course introduces the basics of speech communication through preparation, organization, imagination, and presentation. By preparing and delivering basic speeches, this class will allow the students to acquire speech awareness, technique, and confidence. Drama I, Debate or Forensics can be substituted for the Speech requirement. The speech requirement is waived for those students who take two or more years of Choir or Band.
NOVICE DEBATE
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Students who enroll in Novice Debate will learn to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences, develop critical thinking skills, and serve as an advocate in a democratic society. Students research a topic and prepare arguments for and against a resolution selected by the National Forensics League. Debate requires a minimum of FOUR WEEKENDS outside of class for competition, research, and other preparations. Our mission is to become critical thinkers and orators while keeping faith, one round at a time. Course fulfills speech requirement. 1st Semester only.
ADVANCE DEBATE
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Students who enroll in Advance Debate will learn to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences, develop critical thinking skills, and serve as an advocate in a democratic society. Students research a topic and prepare arguments for and against a resolution selected by the National Forensics League. Debate requires a minimum of FIVE WEEKENDS outside of class for competition, research and other preparations. Our mission is to become critical thinkers and orators while keeping faith, one round at a time. Course fulfills speech requirement. 1st semester only.
FORENSICS SPEECH – INCLUSIVE
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
The class covers fundamentals of oral interpretation, humorous interpretation, informative speaking, original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, Lincoln-Douglas debate prose, poetry, solo humorous and serious acting, and duo performance. Students enrolled will automatically become members of the team and are required to participate in four-weekend tournaments; they are usually held on Fridays and Saturdays. Forensics encourages Faith, Fun, and Friendship. This course fulfills Speech requirements. 2nd semester only
