High School Education Co-Teacher

Peace Corps; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An international service organization is seeking High School Education Co-Teacher Volunteers to engage with Filipino teachers and students while promoting English education in local high schools. Volunteers will be involved in co-teaching, community engagement, and support educational projects. Ideal candidates are required to have a Bachelor's degree and a strong commitment to teaching.

Benefits

Community engagement opportunities

Cultural immersion

Professional development in education

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline required.
• Strong desire to teach English.
• Intermediate level in Tagalog by week 7 of Pre-Service Training.

Responsibilities

• Co-teach English and support Filipino teachers.
• Develop and implement remedial reading programs.
• Engage with the community on education-related projects.

Skills

English tutoring experience

Project management

TEFL certification

Classroom teaching experience

Interest in Filipino culture

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree

Job description

Overview

As one of the first education projects established in the Peace Corps, this project follows a strong tradition of mission-driven service and addresses the changing needs of the Philippines and its education system. The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) has overseen significant changes in the education system when it transitioned in 2012 from a 10-year basic education program to a 13-year basic education program, adding kindergarten and grades 11 and 12.

High School Education Co-Teacher Volunteers will engage with teachers, education officials, Local Government Units (LGUs), parents, and other education stakeholders by 1) working with teachers, 2) supporting students, and 3) engaging with the community.

Responsibilities

• Working with Teachers: High School Education Co-Teacher Volunteers engage with Filipino teachers in the classroom to co-teach English and other English-based subjects at a local high school. They also contribute to supporting the professional development of teachers in literacy, student-centered approaches, hands-on activities, and development of learning resources that support the curriculum. They may participate in teacher training programs through school or district-level capacity building activities, working in an environment of mutual respect and learning where creativity, collaborative problem-solving, innovative ideas, and people and networking skills are valued.
• Supporting Students: Typical Filipino classes have 40 to 60 high school students from diverse backgrounds. Volunteers collaborate with teachers in developing and implementing inclusive remedial reading programs for individuals or small groups to raise English reading levels and carry out activities to develop English language skills outside regular class time (e.g., English clubs, language camps, journalism, and writing competitions).
• Engaging the Community: Schools work with the community and LGUs. Volunteers implement projects based on school needs such as library development, school plays, environmental camps, leadership training, and whole school events. They can contribute to access to education for out-of-school youth and adult learners through Alternative Learning System centers.

Required skills

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English.

Safety and eligibility note

Due to the Philippines government visa requirements and the government’s current strong stance on combatting drug production, distribution/trafficking, and use, applicants will not be considered for Peace Corps positions in the Philippines at this time if they have ever been convicted of any major crimes, even if expunged or sealed, and even if they otherwise would meet the standards for legal clearance to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer more generally.

Desired skills

• At least 30 hours of English, foreign language, or literacy tutoring experience with middle or high school students and/or adults
• A background in people-centered project development or project management using grassroots/community-based development activities focused on community and/or youth development
• TEFL certification and/or experience in reading literacy
• Classroom teaching experience
• Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English, TEFL, TESOL, EFL, TESL, Linguistics, or an MA/MAT in any foreign language
• An interest in Filipino culture and willingness to integrate into a Filipino community

Required language skills

There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position. Volunteers must demonstrate an intermediate level in Tagalog by week 7 of Pre-Service Training. During Pre-Service Training, most Volunteers will begin learning a secondary local language. A Volunteer’s dedication to learning language will set them up for success during service. Language resources will be offered at Peace Corps training events and through independent tutoring during service.

Living conditions

Housing: Housing conditions vary from heavily urban to very rural, with construction ranging from hollow concrete blocks to conventional designs. Most houses have running water and electricity but may lack air conditioning. Internet access cannot be guaranteed.

Host Family Situation: Volunteers live with host families during the community-based portion of Pre-Service Training, typically for the first four months, after which they may continue living with a host family or move into rented accommodations. Living with a host family is encouraged to strengthen language fluency and community integration.

Intercultural Challenges/Differences: Volunteers will encounter different social and cultural norms requiring patience and flexibility. Staff will address challenges during Pre-Service Training and in individual consultations. Climate is tropical with rainy and dry seasons; dress is conservative and professional attire is required in teaching contexts.

Get tips and perspective from current Volunteers to make a well-informed decision about serving. The Philippines welcomes and can accommodate couples. Your partner must qualify and apply for the following position: High School Education Co-Teacher; Elementary Education Co-Teacher; Community Development Facilitator for Coastal Resource Management; Youth Development Facilitator. Couples will live with separate host families during Pre-Service Training, with some allowances for shared time in orientation and final PST weeks. Post-PST, couples may live together in the same community. The Peace Corps works to foster safe and productive assignments for same-sex couples, but placements are limited by local laws. Staff will guide couples on how to approach living together in a community.

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