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Connect with the Peace Corps
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Apply to the Peace Corps
The application process begins by selecting a service model and finding an open position.
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If you are flexible in where you serve for the two-year Peace Corps Volunteer program, our experts can match you with a position and country based on your experience and preferences.
Serve where you’re needed mostLiteracy Teacher
Education
Job highlights
- Gain hands-on teaching experience with evidence-based literacy instruction.
- Exchange knowledge and build lasting connections with Jamaican educators.
- Develop intercultural competence and adaptability skills essential for global careers.
Get answers live — every weekday at .
Apply by
August 15, 2026Know by
October 1, 2026Depart on
March 8, 2027Duration
2 years, plus 3 months trainingAbout the project
Primary schools across Jamaica are seeking support to foster a lifelong love of learning among young readers, strengthen classroom instruction, and help communities build a culture of learning.
Many Jamaican students reach grade 7 without the strong reading and comprehension skills needed for academic success. Recent reports show that at some schools, over 70% of early secondary students are reading below grade level, reflecting literacy gaps that begin in the primary years. Limited access to individualized support and targeted interventions makes it difficult for struggling readers to catch up. Educators are deeply committed to addressing these challenges but need additional support to provide literacy instruction, engaging reading activities, and extra attention to students who need it most.
As a Literacy Teacher, you will play a vital role in helping children build essential reading and writing skills. Working alongside Jamaican educators, you will support classroom instruction, develop targeted interventions, and help parents learn useful strategies to continue learning at home. Your service will strengthen schools, expand literacy opportunities, and contribute to lasting educational progress.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Jamaica project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Jamaica
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Identify students who need additional literacy support and develop targeted intervention plans.
Conduct small-group and individual literacy sessions focused on reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and foundational skills.
Strengthen lesson plans, classroom management, and student-centered instructional strategies.
Assist the implementation of culturally responsive and evidence-based literacy practices.
Lead or support literacy enrichment initiatives, including reading clubs, library development, creative arts integration, or literacy gardens.
Engage parents and community members by sharing adaptable strategies to support children’s literacy development at home.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as a book club for adults and after-school sports.
This position requires that Volunteers be prepared to serve in deep rural communities where infrastructure may be limited. Volunteers must be comfortable with modest and reduced conveniences, particularly related to electrical power, internet, and access to running water. Markets or larger shopping areas are located just a taxi ride away. Volunteers live with host families but can expect a private room in the family home or self-contained unit on the property.
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Jamaica country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Jamaica
Sophia Z.
Agriculture Advisor
"I do my best to remain flexible as the organization navigates the many challenges they face, rather than pushing through projects and priorities that may not serve their changing needs."
See full Volunteer profile
As a Literacy Teacher, you will be trained on literacy intervention strategies, classroom management best practices, and skill-building strategies to strengthen instruction. Peace Corps Jamaica will teach you Patwa to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources to continue your language learning during service.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to rural community where you will collaborate with local primary schools with students ages 6-12 years. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on locally identified priorities.
Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program. Each person must apply separately and qualify for a position in a different sector than their partner. Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities. Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.
To learn more about serving as a couple in Jamaica, visit the country page.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Jamaica. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
