About this role
English Literacy Teacher
Project Description: Elementary schools in Palau are looking for individuals with a passion for literacy to support young learners.
A longstanding national education priority has been to improve English reading and writing skills. Despite dedicated teachers, schools continue to face literacy challenges, such as limited resources, varying home language environments, and pandemic-era learning gaps. Ministry of Education data show that many elementary grade students struggle to reach foundational reading benchmarks. With classrooms often stretched to full capacity, teachers welcome additional support in providing individualized attention and engaging learning experiences. Schools wish to expand the time and attention given to early readers, introduce practical literacy activities, and strengthen teacher confidence in student-centered approaches.
As an English Literacy Teacher, you will support students’ reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension while creating supplementary teaching materials tailored to local needs alongside local educators. Together, you will strengthen local English proficiency, the students’ readiness for secondary studies, and educational outcomes aligned with Palau’s national development goals. You will also contribute to lasting partnerships that encourage continued innovation and shared learning among teachers and families.
Required Skills: Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
Living Conditions: Volunteers serve in small island communities across Babeldaob, Koror, and some outlying island states. Schools vary in size, resources, and access to materials. Housing is typically a private room within a host family’s home, which offers deep cultural immersion and close community relationships.
Activities: Conduct classroom support sessions focused on early‑grade English literacy. Develop simple reading and writing activities aligned with school needs. Plan lessons with teachers and model student‑centered approaches. Facilitate small‑group and one‑on‑one reading practice. Create low‑cost teaching materials to supplement classroom instruction. Support school‑wide literacy events and family engagement activities. Collaborate with teachers on monitoring student reading progress.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as community gardening or an English conversation club.
Training: As an English Literacy Teacher, you will be trained on foundational literacy instruction, co-teaching strategies, effective classroom management, and how to develop low-cost learning materials. Peace Corps/Palau will teach you conversational Palauan to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with local schools and teachers. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on strengthening elementary grade English literacy.
Job Highlights: Be one of the first Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in Palau since 2018. Build marketable teaching and literacy‑support skills through hands‑on classroom experience and structured training. Form lasting connections with Palauan teachers, students, and families while experiencing rich island culture and traditions.