About this role
Co-design and Deliver Inclusive Education Trainings for Teachers
Description: The Special Education Unit within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology in Belize is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for students with diverse needs across the country. The unit currently focuses on developing inclusive education policies, implementing specialized programs, and distributing resources to support physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. Their ongoing initiatives include teacher training, policy development, and school-based interventions aimed at improving access to quality education for students.
To further strengthen these efforts, the Special Education Unit seeks support in enhancing its teacher training initiatives to improve inclusive education practices at early childhood, elementary, and secondary levels. This includes building capacity for developing individualized education plans (IEPs), utilizing differentiated instruction, and implementing assessment tools for students with diverse needs. The Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) will offer expertise in inclusive education strategies and guide educators in applying best practices to meet the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities or learning challenges. The selected VSPPs are anticipated to engage with a variety of educators who work as special education teachers, classroom teachers, and school administrators, all of whom play a vital role in fostering an inclusive learning environment.
The organization is presently collaborating with a Peace Corps Response Volunteer. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Desired Qualifications: Education: Master’s degree in education, special education, applied behavioral analysis, speech and language communication, occupational therapy, or related field
Language: Intermediate Spanish
Experience: • Virtual engagement and communication • 5 years conducting teacher training or professional development workshops • 2 years working in developing countries • Developing and implementing formative assessment tools
Required Skills: Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, educational psychology, or related field
Experience: • 3 years teaching special education or inclusive education settings • Conducting teacher training or professional development workshops • Designing and delivering virtual trainings
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible; strong cross-cultural agility; high tolerance for ambiguity; able to work independently; resourceful; creative; genuinely motivated; and capable to serve virtually
Host Country Partner’s Mission and Goals: The Special Education Unit in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment for all students. Our objective is to establish and enforce legislation, policies, and programs that promote the inclusion of students with diverse needs. We strive to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that every student, regardless of physical, social, emotional, or academic challenges, has access to high-quality education. Our goal is for all Belizean children to thrive within an inclusive system, empowered by the educational opportunities that meet their unique needs.
Virtual Service Engagement and Tasks: The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:
• Co-design four teacher training modules focused on inclusive education strategies, including differentiated instruction, and assessment tools. This will occur during the first four weeks, with sessions scheduled for 2-hour blocks weekly, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Belize time • Conduct two 90-minute professional development workshops per month, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6:00–7:30 p.m. Belize time, to train teachers and administrators on applying inclusive education practices in the classroom • Offer weekly virtual mentorship and support to teachers implementing inclusive strategies. This will occur in 1-hour sessions every Tuesday evening, 6:00–7:00 p.m. Belize time, through Zoom or WhatsApp • After each training session, review progress with the Special Education Unit, gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments to the training content or delivery. Meetings will be held bi-weekly on Fridays from 2:00–3:00 p.m. Belize time via Zoom.
VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 15 hours per week.
Online collaboration will generally occur between 2:00–4:00 p.m. Belize time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.