We are proud to announce that 37 Newark schools now have active debate in the classroom programs supported by the Academy — including 29 middle schools and 8 high schools. That means over 3,000 students in the district are engaging in classroom debate and communication training! We of course could not do this without our amazing Newark Public Schools teachers! This past staff development day we had an amazing professional development where we welcomed 19 new teachers into the Debate in the classroom program! It’s safe to say Debate in the Classroom is back and stronger than ever!

Newark Public Schools and Newark Debate Academy launched their “Debate in the Classroom” Initiative to empower students with critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills through structured debate. Our students and staff engage in daily activities that help teach leadership and effective communication skills as well as listening, critical thinking and problem solving in both high school and middle school.

The initiative brings competitive debate techniques directly into classrooms across Newark, ensuring that every student—not just those on formal debate teams—have the opportunity to engage in rigorous discussion, evidence-based reasoning, and respectful dialogue. By integrating debate into everyday learning, the program aims to strengthen academic performance while preparing students for civic engagement, future careers and a strong sense of self when communicating who they are and what they want.

Debate teaches students how to think, not what to think. This program gives our young people the tools to analyze complex issues, articulate their ideas clearly, and listen to opposing viewpoints with respect. It builds confidence, sharpens literacy skills, and creates a culture of inquiry that benefits all students.

The Newark Debate Academy, a nationally recognized leader in urban debate education, has trained teachers to incorporate debate formats into subjects ranging from English and Social Studies to STEM courses. Students are encouraged to research, collaborate, and present arguments on topics that connect classroom learning to real-world issues.

Program Highlights:

– Curriculum Integration: Debate activities embedded into daily lessons across grade levels.  

– Teacher Training: Professional development workshops led by Newark Debate Academy staff. Daily access to Debate in the Classroom Coordinator Ivelisse Tirado.   

– Student Empowerment: Opportunities for students to showcase skills in school-wide and city-wide debate showcases.  

– Community Engagement: Partnerships with local organizations to bring real-world issues into classroom debates.  

Our next steps include possibly bringing public debates back ran by classrooms involved in the program, district wide essay competitions to highlight and showcase some of the amazing work and research students are doing and class v class debates for those interested in a more competitive element. More speeches, more note taking, more skills based training so our students understand how to think, operate and organize themselves especially in high stress situations. 

The “Debate in the Classroom” initiative reflects Newark Public Schools’ commitment to innovative, student-centered learning and the Newark Debate Academy’s mission to make debate accessible to all.

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Media Contact:  

Ivelisse Tirado  

Debate in the Classroom Coordinator   

Newark Public Schools / Newark Debate Academy