Special Education Technology Specialist
Project Description
The Universidad Polítecnia Metroplitana de Hidalgo (UMPH) in Mexico has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as a Special Education Technology Specialist. A team of three UPMH research professors, along with some engineering students, are working on various research and technical projects to help teachers better support the education and development of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The project is in its initial stage, and the team has collected some data through field work and interviews with personnel from the Multiple Attention Community Center (psychologist, medical, and teachers) and teachers at other public schools with inclusion programs. UMPH has identified a need for additional collaboration and assistance from a PCRV with knowledge and experience in education/special education and/or in the use of information technologies as educational tools for children and youth with disabilities.
As a member of the project team, the PCRV will actively participate and contribute to the planning, execution, implementation, and/or evaluation of the project. The PCRV will be expected to make recommendations and/or provide advice as necessary and to identify opportunities for knowledge transfer and/or skills development in areas or topics related to elementary education, special education, pedagogy, information technologies for education, visual and language styles used in audiovisual materials, and others depending on PCRV’s background. The PCRV will also participate in measuring and analyzing the results of the use of the materials/tools implemented and they will contribute to developing and writing content for a potential research paper and/or a presentation at a professional conference.
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 Mexico together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Volunteer safety is of paramount importance, and the protections of U.S. citizenship promote volunteer safety. Under Mexican law, anyone born in Mexico who became a U.S. citizen after 1998 or anyone holding dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship is considered a citizen of Mexico, and not of the United States. If such an individual faced a legal, safety or other emergency situation in Mexico, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene could be limited. Therefore, the PC will not place in Mexico individuals who are either dual citizens of Mexico and the U.S. or who were born in Mexico and became U.S. citizens after 1998. If you fit either of these categories, we encourage you to look at other opportunities with PC Response.
Partner Information
Universidad Polítecnia Metroplitana de Hidalgo (UMPH)
Required Skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy, Elementary or Basic Education, Special Education, Information Technology, or related field.
• At least three years of professional experience in the use of Information Technology applied to education
• Knowledge of special education and/or ASD
• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility
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 Mexico
Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Mexico: 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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