The Boston Debate League’s Coach Crash Course provides debate coaches who were unable to attend the Debate-Inspired Educator Institute an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming debate season, build their debate knowledge and coaching skills, and be in a learning community with other amazing debate coaches. ➤ Register Here | Zoom Link
Black & Civic Leaders Judge for a DayJoin After School Debate and Debate en Español for BDL's third high school tournament of the season as our civic leaders serve as judges for a day. Interested in being a Volunteer Judge for this tournament?Judge Shift: 3:00pm - 8:15pm➤ English / en Español
This spring's Race, Equity, and Policy Series will focus on AI in Education. Artificial Intelligence is a readily available, powerful tool with ever-growing potential to positively contribute to education and learning. AI is here to stay, yet its widespread use raises concerns: How can educators continue to advance students' skills in writing and critical thinking […]
Join us for BDL's free Summer Debate Camp, which offers students an excellent opportunity to engaged in debate and argumentation, to develop their public speaking and leadership skills, and to learn about the Policy Debate topic for next year. Interested in Debate Camp?➤ Register Here
Join educators in Boston and beyond for introductory and advanced workshops on debate-inspired classroom strategies, taught by teachers, for teachers; a series of workshops for policy debate coaches to prepare coaches for the 2025-26 resolution and cases; and opportunities to learn and be inspired with a community of debate-inspired educators. ➤ Learn More and Register […]
Julianna Maximo, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, joined the BDL in October 2023, but has been involved in the League since she was a sophomore at Brighton High School. Over the years, she has worn many hats for the organization – from coaching debate at English High School, to being a tournament operations volunteer and logistics intern, to helping organize the first EBA Across Boston Conference in 2016. Beyond the BDL, Julianna worked in the service industry for almost ten years, focusing on education and quality control in specialty coffee. It was through this work that she became directly involved with labor organizing and local mutual aid groups, and realized her passion for building and fostering community, whether that be chatting with the coffee shop regulars from behind the counter or hosting neighborhood-wide events. Outside of the office, Julianna spends most of her time out on walks with her dog, making ceramics, or reading.
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.
