Description
Rita Rafael, M.A.
Educator | Coach | Communication Advocate
Rita Rafael is a dynamic communication studies educator and forensics coach with a deep commitment to empowering students through public speaking, interpersonal connection, and competitive speech. She currently teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Speech and Debate at Santiago Canyon College, while also serving high school students in the Orange County Department of Education’s ACCESS program, where she teaches communication theory to underserved youth in alternative and correctional education settings.
With experience teaching at both the college and secondary levels, Rita has taught a wide range of courses—including Argumentation and Debate, Group Communication, and Literature Interpretation—always with a student-centered and socially conscious approach. Her coaching background includes extensive work with all forensics events, including Reader’s Theater, interpretation, and platform speaking.
Rita’s instructional expertise is matched by her professional versatility. At ProtoCommunications, she served as Products and Services Manager, contributing to digital course design, accessibility, video production, and client engagement. She has also taught youth debate and speech through programs like Kudos College of Youth Leadership, where she developed critical thinking and advocacy skills in elementary and middle school students.
Rita holds a Master’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach, where she also coached on the nationally competitive forensics team. She has presented award-winning research at communication conferences and served in leadership roles within graduate student organizations.
Whether in the classroom, online, or on the tournament floor, Rita brings energy, empathy, and excellence to every student interaction—guiding learners of all ages to find their voice and use it well.
