We would like to give teachers and coaches something to show for their professional development and experience, as well as giving motivation to achieve further development. These endorsements are recognition that can help prove our worth and value as educators and coaches no matter where we are in our careers.

Those who meet the various levels will receive a certificate denoting which level, as well as have their names listed on the NSCTA website.

There are two different areas - Educator endorsement and Coaching endorsement.

Within each area are two levels - an initial level - or gold - for someone who is just starting out or earlier in their career, and another one - platinum - for someone who is a well-established professional.

See below for more information.

Click here to start the application process: Apply Today!

NSCTA Educator Endorsement Levels

Level 1 (GOLD) - NSCTA Speech/Debate/Theatre Education Endorsement

For those who are perhaps starting out in their career, and want to show that they’ve taken an interest in being a great speech/debate/theatre educator.

Educators must meet the following criteria:

Active member of the NSCTA

Have completed an educational program (such as teacher’s college).

Involvement in the speech/debate/theatre field in a curricular, co-curricular, or extra-curricular setting. (Verification required)

Attend at least two professional educational activities such as NSAA Coach/Judge Clinic and/or NSCTA Convention. (proof required)

Successful completion of at least four of the following NFHS Classes (Verification required) -

* * * * *

Level 2 (PLATINUM) - NSCTA Professional Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator

For educators who are active in a professional manner in the speech/debate/theatre community.

Educators must meet the following criteria:

Have met requirements for Level 1
Active member of NSCTA for at least 7 years
At least 7 years as an educator (any level)
And at least TWO of the following:
- Attend six presentations hosted by the NSCTA such as Convention (can be online).
- Lead three convention presentations for the NSCTA
- Attend three NSAA coach clinics
- Presenter at the NSAA coach clinic
- Mentor fellow teachers in your community (student teachers, educational committees, etc).

And at least TWO of the following:

Advanced degree in speech/theatre/debate through accredited university or college
Service on the NSCTA board or other speech/debate/theatre focused community
Successful completion of at least four of the following NFHS Classes (any previously remaining classes from previous list, plus) (Verification required)

Six graduate credits in speech, debate, or theatre related courses (Verification required)
Attend other professional organization conventions (NSDA, etc) (Verification required)

NSCTA Coaching Endorsement Levels

Level 1 (GOLD) - NSCTA Professional Speech/Theatre/Debate Coach

Coaches must meet the following criteria:

Active member of the NSCTA

Seven years of coaching experience

At least TWO of the following:

Recipient of Young Teacher award
Two years of service on NSCTA board
Attend three NSAA coach clinics or NSCTA Conventions
Presented at one NSAA Coach Clinic or NSCTA Convention
Provide 30 hours of coaching mentorship to one or more fellow coaches in your community (Verification required)

At least ONE of the following:

Successful completion of at least four of the following NFHS Classes (Verification required) -

Three graduate credits in speech, debate, or theatre related courses (Verification required)
Six undergraduate credits in speech, debate, or theatre related courses (Verification required)