About this role
English Teacher Trainer
Project Description: Are you a seasoned English teacher who wishes to strengthen language learning overseas? Costa Rica has a meaningful opportunity for you!
For decades, many students in Costa Rica’s public education system were not reaching the necessary level of English proficiency even after 11 or 12 years of instruction. In 2017, the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) developed a new multi-year English curriculum to reflect the knowledge, skills, and abilities that Costa Rican students need to succeed as global citizens today. Each year, new lessons and guides are released for different grade levels. However, students continue to struggle to learn English. As MEP updates the national English curriculum to incorporate more action-oriented, communicative approaches, they seek support from skilled, bilingual educators who can share language-learning best practices.
As an English Teacher Trainer, you will collaborate with Regional English Advisors and local secondary school teachers to revise the national English language curriculum, create engaging educational resources, and train teachers to creatively use these materials in the classroom. Your efforts will enable local teachers and students alike to increase their English proficiency and expand their access to personal and professional opportunities.
Required Skills: Bachelor's or master's degree in education, preferably with a focus in curriculum or instruction. AND Teaching certification or license with two or more years of relevant experience, including teaching and curriculum development.
Living Conditions: The type of housing assigned will depend on availability at the time and place of the Volunteer’s assignment. Housing may take various forms, including a room with a host family or an independent room or apartment. All housing is located within three kilometers of the Volunteer’s primary work site, allowing them to walk, bike, or use public transportation to commute.
Activities: Produce educational materials and resources, such as audios, videos, teacher toolkits, dialogue scripts, and student resource kits, that support various proficiency levels and learning styles. Revise documents and organize resource creation workshops. Design and facilitate teacher workshops on topics related to English language teaching and learning. Participate in field trips to high schools to follow up on previously facilitated trainings. Support the regional English advisors with daily departmental operations.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as facilitating an English club or coaching after-school youth sports.
Training: After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to a semi-urban or rural community where you will collaborate with a regional English advisor of the Ministry of Public Education to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
Peace Corps/Costa Rica will support you if you choose to work with a local tutor who can further advance your language skills to better connect with the community.
Job Highlights: Make a meaningful contribution to Costa Rica’s education system and evolving English curriculum. Strengthen Spanish language skills through daily collaborations and interactions. Experience Costa Rica’s rich culture and pura vida lifestyle.