Early Elementary Literacy Instructional Coach

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) – Curriculum Unit in Belize has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Early Elementary Literacy Instructional Coaches in various District Education Centres (DEC) and substations. MoECST has forged a partnership with the Peace Corps Belize Response Program to design and implement the Literacy Intervention Project. Since 2017, the partners have focused on the Standard One level. Recent data obtained from schools participating in the MoE/Peace Corps Literacy Intervention Project has unveiled a concerning trend: approximately 76% of Standard 1 (U.S. grade 2 equivalent) students are reading below the kindergarten level. In response to these findings, MoECST has expanded the scope of collaboration to providing crucial support to teachers at the Infant 1 and 2 (K-1) levels. The objective is to impart best practices in literacy instruction, aiming to proactively address challenges and mitigate the need for intervention as students progress into Standard 1.

The PCRVs will support the Ministry of Education to empower Infant 1 and 2 teachers with best practices in early childhood literacy, equipping young learners with essential building blocks for academic success. This strategic partnership aims to foster a proactive approach in ensuring that students enter higher grades with a solid foundation in literacy, thus improving overall educational outcomes.

Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Belize together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education with strong skills in teaching reading.
• Three years of experience working in a school setting with teachers and students in lower elementary.
• Licensed/Certified teacher (active or inactive)
• Experience leading professional development training to teachers
• Experience working with adult educators
• Experience as in instructional coaching as a peer, leader or other
• Experience in data-driven instruction
• Knowledge in current reading research and best practices
• Sound knowledge in the Science of Reading
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Intercultural competence
• Emotional intelligence and maturity
• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility – some details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations.

Living conditions

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Belize: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.

Medical considerations

Before you apply, please review medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.