About this role
Math and Science Educator
Project Description: Calling all math and science educators—junior high schools across Ghana are seeking your support with science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and literacy learning.
There is a growing shortage of STEM teachers in Ghana's public schools due to a government-issued hiring freeze on public sector employment. Additionally, STEM professionals typically prefer the salaries of industry roles over public school teaching. This has led to a situation where STEM teachers are either formerly retired teachers or young, inexperienced high school graduates. The pandemic also resulted in students falling behind in school due to the school closures. Consequently, many children are unable to read grade-level content.
As a Math and Science Educator, you will collaborate with local teachers and junior high school staff to boost student achievement in STEM and literacy skills. Together, you will engage the larger community in learning activities and develop local capacities to use research-based, student-centered classroom practices.
Required Skills: Bachelor's degree in secondary education with a concentration in math. OR Bachelor's degree in any discipline with secondary certification in math. OR Bachelor's degree in math, engineering, or computer science. OR Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minor or equivalent in math.
Living Conditions: While subject to change based on programmatic needs, Volunteers are currently placed in the following regions: Greater Accra, Bono, Eastern, Northern, Oti, and Volta. Volunteers are placed in rural communities in Ghana. Some Volunteers will live in self-contained concrete houses while others may have one or two rooms inside a family compound or nurse’s quarters.
Activities: Plan and teach math and science lessons aligned with inquiry‑based, student‑centered pedagogy. Design sustainable learning aids using locally available materials. Support remedial groups and after-school tutoring. Grade homework and examinations. Engage parent teacher associations and community. Train community members on access‑to‑learning topics, such as menstrual hygiene and positive masculinity.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as youth life skills camps.
Training: As a Math and Science Educator, you will be trained to support student‑centered teaching and integrate literacy into STEM lessons. Peace Corps/Ghana will teach you Twi, Ewe, Dagbani, or Ghanaian Sign Language to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community and collaborate with local schools to assess needs and develop solutions to improve student achievement and teacher capacity.
Job Highlights: Exchange teaching experiences with Ghanaian junior high school teachers. Learn a local language and develop lifelong friendships through rich cultural exchange. Live within a welcoming community and experience its cultural traditions.