English Literacy Resource Teacher (Primary Schools)

Post

Eastern Caribbean

Required Skills

Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-school, Early Childhood, Middle School, or Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with Elementary Education state certification
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with 1 or more school year classroom teaching experience at the Early Childhood, Middle School, or Elementary level. Full time Montessori teaching experience is also acceptable.

Desired Skills

Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Demonstrated record of volunteer and/or professional experience focused on improving literacy skills of primary school children
• Learning/Instructional Design experience — session design; blended and online module design; curriculum design
• Experience establishing and co-leading clubs or informal learning in music, theater, academics, homework support, sports, or life-skills
• Experience with Learning Management System(s) and online learning
• Experience in outreach and building networks in communities (especially with the aim to engage parents, families in their children’s education)
• Willingness to integrate current, relevant issues like climate change, environmental protection, media literacy, youth development, etc. in and outside of the classroom (identifying resources, service-learning, and after-school clubs/activities)
• Experience facilitating professional development workshops

Living Conditions

The region experiences varying weather patterns characterized by heat and humidity- which tends to be very warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit. Life often embodies a simple, yet comfortable lifestyle connected to nature and community. The populations in most Capitals range from 10,000 to 24,000 people. Volunteer communities’ range from villages to small (1,500) and mid-sized towns (3,400). The geographical diversity contributes to the presence of steep, narrow, and winding roads. While major roads may be well-maintained, smaller roads often adding to the charm of rural living sometimes presents challenges for transportation.

All Volunteers must complete Pre-Service Training (PST) which is an intensive 9-week training focusing on literacy, language, medical, and safety and security. Trainees will live in Saint Lucia for the first 3 weeks and move to their island of service to develop skills specific to their assigned country.
• During the first 3 weeks PST, Trainees will be housed in a double-occupancy dormitory room with their fellow Trainees. Afterwards, Trainees immerse themselves in the culture by living with a host family. Volunteers will have a private room, and share bathrooms, common spaces, and meals with the family.
• Upon completing PST, Volunteers transition to independent living apartments equipped with essential appliances, and furniture. Homes often feature open-air designs to take advantage of natural ventilation and cooling breezes. Some houses may not have hot water systems, and Volunteers should prepare to be flexible in adapting to a new environment.

Peace Corps is committed to creating a supportive environment for Volunteers of all backgrounds.
• The islands experience some water shortages, power surges and occasional power cuts.
• Volunteers have the option of using their phone or using a Peace Corps-issued phone upon arrival.
• Internet is available, though connectivity may be unstable. Each Peace Corps office has a computer with Internet access for use by Volunteers. Some schools have Wi-Fi access, but it may not be reliable. Volunteers have the option of purchasing a data plan using the allowance provided by the Peace Corps.
• Traveling around the island by minibus is the most common and recommended mode of transport and the prices are reasonable. Due to the terrain, bikes and recreational jogging may not be as popular but can sometimes be noticed in some neighborhoods. Walking is common.
• Christianity plays a prominent role in personal and professional settings. Prayers are offered daily in school assemblies and at official events. Laws related to reproductive rights are influenced by the Church. While Volunteers may feel pressure to conform to religious beliefs and practices, the Peace Corps only expects Volunteers to respect the host country’s religious practices.
• The Eastern Caribbean region is generally tolerant and welcoming. Still, anti-sodomy laws are in place, homosexuality is not culturally acceptable. Volunteers must exercise discretion.
• Volunteers and most often women often experience unwanted attention, including cat-calling or sexual comments that they find unsettling or insulting. Volunteer safety is our number one priority.
• Tourism is the economic engine of the Eastern Caribbean, and Volunteers are often mistaken for tourists. Volunteers who respond to this attention by integrating into their communities by applying their cultural knowledge and Creole language skills.

Volunteers have turned challenging encounters into learning experiences that deepen local community members’ understanding of U.S Americans and deepens the Volunteer’s understanding of the local community members.

Language Requirement

None

Language Skills Additional Information

English is the official language in all four of the countries we serve. Volunteers will find, however, that Caribbean English significantly differs from American English, and must learn the pronunciation and semantic differences between the two.

Creole has only recently been recognized and valued as a language in the Eastern Caribbean. What was viewed as a dialect, or a broken version of a “proper language”, is now valued as an important aspect of the nation’s heritage and culture. Under the Early Leaners Program funded by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)/ USAID ministries of education catalyzed the revitalization, awareness, and acceptance of each island’s languages. Since then, OECS member states have drafted national and educational policies that address the oral and written use of all languages on island. Each island has a unique Creole. Grenada and St Vincent & the Grenadines speak English-based creoles, each with its unique rhythm and idioms. Dominica and Saint Lucia share a French-based Creole (“Kwéyòl”) in addition to an English-based Creole.

Volunteers will experience a greater integration and acceptance when speaking the language although they can manage daily life comfortably enough speaking standard American and British English. To speak Creole is a sign of respect and an ability to navigate the marketplace cost-effectively. To speak Creole is to support the preservation and elevation of a once undervalued culture. Moreover, as primary school students primarily speak a creole, Volunteers are far more effective teachers being able to communicate in the student’s mother tongue.

Volunteers will learn the history and importance of the Creole/ Kwéyòl language in the first weeks of Pre-Service Training and will delve deeper into language learning on their respective islands to better integrated with the community. Once assigned to their country of service, Trainees receive additional language training specific to that country. Volunteers are required to demonstrate a strategy to continue language learning in the first six months of service and encouraged to continue developing their language skills.

Primary Sector

Education

Accepts Couples

Yes

Couples Comments

Couples will serve as Primary School English Literacy Resource Volunteers but will not work in the same school. Partners must apply and qualify to serve as a Primary School English Literacy Resource Volunteer.
During Pre-Service Training and the two years of Peace Corps service, the living conditions of couples will be similar to single Volunteers. Couples will live together with their host family during Pre-Service Training. During service, because couples do not work at the same school, one partner may have to travel by bus to a nearby school to teach. The school is generally located no more than 30 minutes away from the Volunteer’s home community.

Peace Corps works to foster safe and productive assignments for same-sex couples and same-sex couples are not placed in countries where homosexual acts are criminalized. Because of this, same-sex couples’ placements are more limited than heterosexual couple placements. During the application process, Recruiters and Placement Officers work closely with same-sex couple applicants to understand current placement opportunities.
For more information please visit: https://www.peacecorps.gov/faqs/lgbtq/

Language Requirements Information

There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.

Country

Eastern Caribbean

Assignment Length (months)

24

Accepting Applications?

No

Program

PCV

TEFL certificate program

No

Post to LinkedIn?

No