In the Debate-Inspired Classrooms™ program, BDL’s Instructional Coaches work with teachers, school leaders, and entire school communities to cultivate exciting and buzzing classrooms in which students experience both rigor and joy in learning.
Students learn better when they talk more, and with each other. The Debate-Inspired Classrooms™ approach trains teachers to cultivates authentic student discussion, driven by curiosity and problem-solving.
Debate-Inspired Classrooms™ fosters a unique environment of energy and joy. Our program nurtures a love of learning, transforming classrooms into vibrant, buzzing communities in which students – and teachers – collaborate to shape their own learning.
When students’ voices, ideas, and intellect are the center of instruction, they are more engaged in the classroom. Students are the authors and architects of their own learning in Debate-Inspired Classrooms™.
In response to the landscape in education and the global context in which young people learn, we are committed to supporting young people in building the power and agency to challenge injustice.
We believe that a debate-inspired classroom is an anti-racist classroom. In anti-racist classrooms, students and teachers see themselves and their lived experiences as valued; experience classrooms in which they are free to be their full selves; act as both leaders and learners in the classroom community; and develop skills and agency to disrupt racism.
Click here to see Debate-Inspired Classrooms™ in action and to learn more.
Click here to learn more about Debate-Inspired Classrooms™ partnerships.
Have questions about DI Classrooms™, its impact, or how to start a partnership?
Contact Marisa Suescun, Managing Director of Programs, at marisa@bostondebate.org.
In 2021, Kim Willingham was named Executive Director – the first woman and first Black leader – of the Boston Debate League. Before being named ED, Kim served as the BDL’s Director of Culture and Engagement and prior to that as an Instructional Coach on the Debate-Inspired Classrooms team. Throughout her 20+ years in education, Kim has held multiple leadership positions. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member in the Crescent City – New Orleans, LA – where she taught 6th grade ELA and Social Studies. Kim earned an EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BS from Eastern Michigan University. Her experience also includes several years in school leadership and education consulting. Originally from the Motor City, she now resides in Dorchester with her two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time in nature. Kim is grateful for the joy she gets to experience daily working with the students, teachers, volunteers, and staff of the BDL community.