English Co-Teacher

About the project

OVERVIEW:

Peace Corps Colombia’s Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) project supports national priorities in education and workforce development by strengthening English instruction in public schools and community settings. English proficiency is widely seen in Colombia as a pathway to academic, professional, and global opportunities. Yet challenges, including limited teacher preparation and classroom resources, continue to hinder progress.

In alignment with Colombia’s National Bilingualism Program, this project addresses those gaps by building teacher capacity, improving student and community English proficiency, and integrating English into broader development activities. Peace Corps TEFL Volunteers (hereafter, Volunteer) serve in both the Caribbean and Andean regions, working with national and local partners to promote inclusive, practical English education.

GOAL:

Students and community members have communication skills in English necessary to access academic, professional, and/or personal development opportunities.


OBJECTIVES:

• Increase the capacity of teachers to use and teach English.

• Increase achievement of students in English.

• Increase achievement of community members in English.

ADDITIONAL CONTEXT:

Volunteers are placed in public secondary schools (grades 6–11) and in technical institutions such as the Service Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA). They do not teach independently but are trained to work in a collaborative and supportive role alongside Colombian teachers to co-plan and co-teach classes. While most teachers hold education degrees, many seek support to enhance their English fluency and teaching practices.

TYPICAL VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

• Co-planning and co-teaching English classes.

• Co-facilitating workshops on teaching strategies, classroom management, and use of educational technology.

• Hosting English conversation groups for teachers.

• Leading extracurricular activities such as clubs, tutoring sessions, or student projects.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ENGLISH FOR LIFE:

English learning extends beyond school. Volunteers facilitate community English classes and support adult learners pursuing academic or employment goals. They may co-lead youth-focused programs that promote communication, self-esteem, and leadership, or contribute to community initiatives such as summer camps, arts programs, or sports events.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION AND ICT4D:

Many schools have access to devices such as interactive TVs, tablets, and computers, but these tools are often underused for English learning. Volunteers support students and educators in learning to use available technology to make lessons more dynamic and interactive. This approach, known as Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), helps bridge digital gaps.

CROSS-SECTOR WORK:

TEFL Volunteers often contribute to initiatives that promote women, youth, health education, environmental awareness, or life skills. These projects may be integrated into English instruction or conducted in collaboration with local organizations. Volunteers are encouraged to apply their unique skills to address local priorities.

REGIONAL PRIORITIES:

Volunteer placements are prioritized in communities where English skills are relevant to local economic and educational needs, such as tourism or access to higher education, and where counterparts show strong motivation. Sites are located in four departments of the Caribbean region and three departments in the Andes. All sites are vetted for safety, institutional support, and alignment with Ministry of Education goals.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Colombia project page.