About this role
Special Education Learning Support Officer
Project Description: Are you a passionate special education teacher and trainer? Your skills are requested in Grenada!
Within the past school years, The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture in Grenada identified approximately 500 students as at risk for academic failure based on observations and formal assessments. This situation has been exacerbated due to learning loss caused by the pandemic. At present there is no standardized curriculum that ensures a balance between the academic and life skills of special needs students. The Grenada Ministry of Education is concentrating efforts to strengthen the capacities of educators to better support the student. As Special Education Learning and Support Officer, you will collaborate with the deputy chief education officer and education officers to conduct trainings for special education teachers. Together, you will strengthen the staff’s instructional strategies to better support students with special needs.
Required Skills: BA in education/related field and at least 3 years of Special Ed. Experience OR MA in Special Education/Related Field
AND
2 or more years of teaching experience or working with neurodivergent learners. OR 2 or more years specialized experience in of one of the following areas: ASL, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or working with visually impaired.
Living Conditions: Volunteers live in houses or apartments and take a bus to their workplace. Some housing may be stand alone and some may be within family home structures equipped with essential appliances and furniture.
Activities: Conduct an assessment to determine training needs, available resources, and learning strategies. Develop training plan for the two schools. Develop or design intervention strategies for students with additional learning needs based on assessment data for approximately 15 students per school. Develop and facilitate training workshops for at least 10 teachers in mainstream schools on teaching strategies and individual educational plans for special needs students.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as after-school clubs or summer camps.
Training: After a 3-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban community where you will work with the Ministry of Education staff. You will work with the partner and your community to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.
The official language is English, but Peace Corps/Grenada will equip you with Creole language resources and you may work with a local tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.
Job Highlights: Gain valuable, hands-on experience supporting students with special needs overseas. Become a valued member of the school staff and community. Experience the warm and welcoming culture and landscape of Grenada.