Secondary English Education Curriculum and Materials Design Specialist
Project Description
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) in Costa Rica has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as an Adult English Education Curriculum and Materials Design Specialist. In 2017, the MEP began rolling out a multiyear curricular implementation plan to introduce teachers to new lesson plans and teaching guides. A new English curriculum was developed with the support of a cohort of PCRVs, and the Peace Corps – MEP collaboration has continued growing through different initiatives. MEP has identified a need for support for the National English Advisors at the Curriculum Development Department of MEP in the implementation of the new curriculum through material and curriculum design, with a focus on secondary education.
The PCRV will collaborate closely with two counterparts from the Secondary Education Department, National Advisors from the Youth and Adult Department to produce materials and develop resources such as audios, videos, teacher tool kits, student resource kits and dialogue scripts. The PCRV will also support a variety of curriculum development initiatives through document revision and organizing resource creation workshops. The overall goal of this assignment is to support MEP to provide Costa Rican students with an updated learning model that reflects the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to succeed as a citizen in the 21st century.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Costa Rica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Partner Information
Ministry of Public Education (MEP)
Required Skills
• 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
• Master’s degree in Education- preferably related to EFL curriculum and instruction
• 5 years of public school teaching experience, with at least one year of relevant experience in curriculum design and material production.
• Intermediate Spanish. Main counterparts can communicate proficiently in English, but Spanish will be needed to communicate with other staff who are not English professionals as well as for daily life interactions (getting to work, buying groceries, developing local relationships, etc.).
• Intermediate skills with on-line instruction and course development.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach to professionalism. Be able to work well with tight timelines and very little supervision. Team work, flexibility and collaboration are key soft skills for this position
• Willingness to approach the position through the Peace Corps’ philosophy on development.
The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Serving in Costa Rica
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Medical Considerations
Before you apply, please review Medical Information for Applicants to learn about the medical clearance process.
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