About this role
Elementary School English Literacy Teacher
Project Description: Elementary schools in Samoa are looking for individuals with a passion for English education and literacy to support young students.
Across Samoa, schools face ongoing challenges related to limited instructional resources, large class sizes, and varying levels of English proficiency. These barriers make it difficult for teachers to provide differentiated instruction and for students to build foundational literacy skills. The Ministry of Education and Culture has prioritized addressing these challenges by strengthening classroom teaching, establishing enriching school libraries, and creating more opportunities for students to practice English.
As an Elementary School English Literacy Teacher, you will collaborate with teachers to deliver engaging, student-centered lessons. You will identify and support students who could benefit from targeted assistance, equipping each student with the tools needed to succeed. Together with your counterparts, you will develop school libraries, expand literacy programs, and create learning environments that promote reading, critical thinking, and confidence. Your work will contribute to student learning in Samoan schools for future generations.
Required Skills: Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles). OR Bachelor's degree in any field. OR High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
Living Conditions: Volunteers will live in rural or semirural communities, typically in a private room within the home of a host family home or in a separate home on a host family compound. Access to internet is limited outside major population centers. Community is an essential part of daily life, requiring regular engagement with neighbors, families, and school staff in evenings and on weekends. Transportation is usually conducted by village bus or on foot.
Activities: Provide specialized literacy instruction to students in grades 1–8 with low test scores to prepare them for school entrance exams.
Teach English lessons with counterpart teachers using student-centered methods.
Plan lessons and unit activities that support the national English curriculum.
Integrate library resources into classroom instruction.
Help organize or expand school libraries and reading systems.
Develop simple, low-cost teaching aids with teachers.
Engage parents and caregivers in literacy-related activities and school events.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as reading clubs or homework help centers.
Training: As an Elementary School English Literacy Teacher, you will be trained on literacy instruction techniques, the country’s elementary English curriculum expectations, and strategies for working with limited resources. Peace Corps/Samoa will teach you the Samoan language to help you comfortably live in and connect with your community. You will also receive language resources and tutoring opportunities throughout service.
After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with primary school teachers and school leadership. You will work with the community to assess learning needs and develop solutions based on the national curriculum and educational best practices.
Job Highlights: Deepen your understanding of effective literacy instruction and student-centered approaches that drive student success in classrooms around the world. Receive 120+ hours of Samoan language training and develop fluency through an immersive learning experience. Immerse yourself in Fa’a Samoa, where respect, love, and humility shape lasting relationships and experiences.