Project Description

Two Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRV) are needed to serve as Special Education Teachers/Advisors in Ukraine. Currently, an integral part of Ukraine’s educational reform is inclusion. Ukraine lacks professional specialists to work in inclusive resource centers and educational institutions with children of the autism spectrum, disorders of behavior, attention, social and pedagogical neglect, and intellectual disabilities. They want to ensure that all children with special educational needs receive pre-school and general secondary education, including in vocational education institutions. The goal is to help children with special educational needs learn necessary communication skills, independent learning, problem solving, critical thinking, and social activism skills. The Volunteers will be working at various specialized boarding schools or inclusive resources centers (IRC), which provide support and assistance in integrating people with disabilities into society. Staff in the IRCs work with children with special educational needs of different abilities, namely children with autism spectrum, cerebral palsy, disorders of behavior and attention, Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The goal of this project is to implement inclusive learning practices throughout the Ukrainian educational system.

A specialist in inclusive education and practices with experience working with children who have disabilities is needed to help implement inclusion efforts in the educational setting. The PCRV will work at the organization that is focused on inclusive education and behavioral interventions, providing special pre-school and school education for the children and youth that require additional support. Throughout the assignment, the PCRV will be developing their counterparts and organizational capacity on inclusive practices for long term sustainability. The Volunteer will also lead English clubs for the children and provide basic English language instruction in a formal classroom setting. In addition, the PCRV will be involved in the development of educational materials for elementary school teachers, teaching assistants and tutors, practical psychologists, deputy directors for educational work, lesson plans and instructional materials.

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 Ukraine together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

Partner Information

Various Specialized Boarding Schools/Inclusive Resource Centers (IRC)

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
● BA or MA degree in Education, Social Sciences, or other relevant studies;
● Minimum 2 years of experience of working with children with disabilities and their parents (either preschool or school-age) in formal or informal settings
● Experience in special education of children with mild-to-moderate disabilities and/or profound disabilities; multiple disabilities including autism spectrum, ADD and ADHD, learning disabilities, social/emotional disabilities, cognitive impairments, and development delays
● Experience in school psychology or inclusive education with different diagnoses: Down syndrome, Autistic Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual disorders, Speech Disorders.
● Experience in working with children who have bio-psycho-social barriers to traditional education methods
● Thorough knowledge of the theoretical principles, practices, and procedures of special education
● Thorough knowledge of the principles and methodology on the introduction of international approaches to teaching children with special educational processes
● Experience working with developing and/or adapting teaching materials
● Strong teaching, presentation, facilitation, and communication skills
● Ability to teach basic English language in a classroom setting for students with disabilities;
● Evidence of personal maturity and patience to work under challenging circumstances including flexibility in adapting to local circumstances and constraints
● Experience in the educational formal or informal settings (i.e. the experience of teaching, being an administrator, or a special education teacher, working in an NGO that works in this sphere, etc.)

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 Ukraine

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Ukraine: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, health, and safety -- including health and crime statistics -- 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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