Special Education Learning Support Officer
Project Description
The Ministry of Education’s Special Education Needs Unit (SENU) in Grenada, Eastern Caribbean has requested the support of Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) to serve as Special Education Learning Support Officers. SENU is responsible for providing education services to children and young persons with additional learning needs, and it supports the work of the education system through curriculum development; monitoring and evaluating the quality of special education; conducting student assessments; supporting the creation of student interventions; facilitating teacher training and skill development; referrals; community sensitization; and providing therapeutic interventions as needed. At present there is no standardized curriculum that ensures a balance between the academic and life skills of special needs students and SENU is currently taking steps to overcome this challenge.
SENU has three officers who are responsible for training and supporting teachers in Special Education, and the Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) will engage these three officers, in addition to teachers, in training regarding classroom strategies and instruction, curriculum review/modification, collecting and tracking developmental data for identified children with special needs. The overall goal of this assignment is to support SENU in developing a plan to offer training in special education, with the goal that within two years there will be a cadre of trained teachers who can provide targeted interventions to potentially ASD or remedial students and support educators in the mainstream schools.
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 the Eastern Caribbean 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 Education/Special Education Needs Unit - SENU
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 Special Education OR Bachelor’s Degree and at least 3 years of SPED experience.
● At least 3 years’ experience in creating individual learning and behavior management plans
● At least 3 years’ experience designing and facilitating training workshops for adult learners
● Excellent communication skills
● Strong interpersonal skills
● Willingness to persevere through challenges (travel, climate, interacting with multiple people and agencies, cultural differences, etc.)
● 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 Eastern Caribbean
Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Eastern Caribbean: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and safety — including crime statistics [PDF] — in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.
Medical Considerations
Before you apply, please review Medical Information for Applicants to learn about the medical clearance process.
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