About this role
English Teacher
Project Description: Aspiring and experienced English educators are encouraged to support schools across Armenia as they strengthen English language learning.
Armenia is transitioning away from Soviet-era teaching models. The new standards emphasize the importance of developing students’ communicative skills in foreign languages and intercultural understanding. However, local English teachers tend to teach from the textbook cover to cover, rarely incorporating creative content or student-centered activities. The teachers also emphasize reading, translation, and grammar rules over practicing speaking and listening skills. With English writing, students either have a dictation or a memorized dictation. Therefore, the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program, which has been aligned with the priorities of the new standards, is poised to make a significant impact.
As an English Teacher, you will collaborate with local educators and school staff to strengthen English learning and develop sustainable resources. Together, you will expand access to English through clubs, camps, and community projects. Your service will help students build skills and confidence that will shape them into competitive candidates for global opportunities.
SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT CITIZENSHIP: Candidates who are dual citizens of Armenia and the United States, who were born in Armenia, or whose parent(s) is/are Armenian citizens may be regarded as Armenian citizens under Armenian law. Individuals who meet any of these criteria may have legal responsibilities and obligations as Armenian citizens while in Armenia. These circumstances limit Peace Corps’ ability to provide support or intervene in legal or emergency situations. If you fall into any of these categories, we encourage you to consider assignments in other Peace Corps countries.
Required Skills: Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
Living Conditions: Volunteer sites are located in all regions of Armenia. Volunteers will live with a host family during training and at least the first three months at site. Housing ranges from rural, multigenerational homes to urban, walk-up apartments. Winters are long and cold; travel by shared taxis and minibuses can be lengthy due to mountain roads.
Activities: Teach engaging English classes that support various proficiency levels and learning styles. Develop student-centered lesson plans and teaching resources. Organize and lead after-school English clubs, conversation groups, and summer camps. Conduct professional development workshops. Support community engagement to boost English language learning. Monitor student progress and reflect on teaching practices.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as English conversation clubs and summer camps.
Training: As an English Teacher, you will be trained to support student-centered English teaching and community-based language activities. Peace Corps/Armenia will teach you Armenian to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and may learn regional dialects. After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural or urban community where you will collaborate with schools and universities. You will work with the community to assess local needs and develop solutions to improve English teaching and learning.
Job Highlights: Earn an industry-recognized Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate after 120 hours of training with supervised classroom practice and targeted coaching. Gain transferable education experience applying student-centered teaching approaches in the classroom. Learn Armenian and immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage while building strong community connection.