Secondary Education Science Teacher

Project description

This opportunity offers a unique and deeply rewarding experience, immersing you in the vibrant and distinct culture of Namibia. Participating in this program will not only broaden your perspective on life but also positively impact the lives of many children and adults. The sentiment, “I was taught by a Peace Corps Volunteer – it changed my life,” is commonly heard. Peace Corps Volunteers (PCV) have established a strong reputation in Namibia, where there is a high demand for education PCVs. Additionally, Namibia is a beautiful country, known for its stunning sunsets and hospitable people.

Improvement and achievement in science is a priority for the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture (MoEAC). Peace Corps Namibia’s Education Project addresses gaps in English, math, science and technology. Peace Corps Namibia was famously invited by the government to promote English education as the new official, national language at the start of Namibia’s Independence in 1990. The Ministry is currently facing a challenging situation, with a shortage of qualified teachers and a need for more effective teaching practices.

As a PCV, you will teach Science in an upper primary or secondary school, ranging from 300 to 1,000 students, providing instruction in grades 4-12 with an average class size of 40. You will be under the direct supervision of the school principal. The weekly load for teachers can vary, but the expectation is to teach 70% of the time. Some teachers are also asked to assist in teaching IT and basic computer skills, life skills, and occasionally other subjects based upon the school’s discretion and PCV’s skill set. The remaining 30% may come from extracurricular activities, such as track and field, tutoring, drama, health or science clubs. In addition to teaching, PCVs can play a role in building the capacity of teachers via creative teaching techniques; lesson planning and classroom management; developing teaching and learning resources; improving the delivery of instruction and teaching techniques; and linking schools with their communities.

This exciting assignment will require motivation, initiative, and patience. It will also require enthusiasm for working with students of different age groups (which may vary from 12-20 years old), and adults (co-teachers), as well as creativity, self-motivation, self-starting, and flexibility. Education PCVs will promote the principles of a learner-centered approach, bring focus to instruction, and focus on interactive teaching and learning. The Namibian Education system also includes the promotion of social responsibility, life skills, and gender awareness, respect of cultural values, environmental awareness, and national reconciliation.

The Peace Corps promotes gender awareness and girls’ education and empowerment. You will receive training on gender challenges in Namibia and you will have the opportunity to implement gender-related activities that are contextually appropriate. Additionally, PCVs receive training on HIV/AIDS prevention and can conduct secondary projects, such as co-facilitating youth HIV prevention programs with local counterparts. During Pre-Service Training (PST), you will begin developing the skills and knowledge needed to accomplish these tasks. This eleven-week intensive training period involves living with a local family and receiving training on key technical, intercultural, language, medical, and safety and security aspects within the context of Namibia’s diverse settings.

Required skills

Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with concentration in any science
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with secondary certification in science
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any physical science or any biological science or equivalent
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with a minor or equivalent (15 semester/22 quarter hours) in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

Desired skills

Experience in at least one of the following areas is preferred:

• Classroom teaching experience and/or teacher training experience
• Working in classrooms, particularly at the secondary or adult level, or at least 30 hours of science tutoring experience with primary, middle, or high school students or adults;
• Ability to research, design, and deliver instructional materials;
• Working with youth and adult students in any leadership capacity;
• Ability to research, design, and deliver instructional materials;
• At least three months experience working at a camp, tutoring, or teaching.

Required language skills

None but experience with languages always help with learning new ones. Peace Corps has dedicated Language and Cultural Facilitators in Namibia to teach local languages during Pre-Service Training (PST). You will have the opportunity to learn Oshikwanyama, Oshindonga, Otjiherero, Rukwangali, Silozi, Afrikaans or Khoekhoegowab, depending on where you will live. Proficiency in a local language is critical in your ability to integrate as a Volunteer and have an impactful and fulfilling service.

In some communities, at least three other local languages are spoken in addition to the primary local language. Learning basic greetings in the additional local language(s) spoken in your community is appreciated by community members. Having an interest in a deeper study of the local language, which most often will occur at you community in the form of self-study and continued work with a tutor, is a way for you to work more directly with community members, particularly women who may not have finished school and therefore do not speak English fluently.

Peace Corps identifies and trains language tutors in PCVs’ communities. In addition, Peace Corp’s full-time Language and Cultural Coordinator supports PCVs’ progress in local languages throughout service.

Living conditions

Namibia is an incredibly beautiful and unique country with great weather, averaging 300 days of sunshine each year! You will arrive in winter, which is sunny but chilly, with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping to 40 degrees. Temperatures rise steadily in October, followed by the rainy season in November. November to March is the hottest period, reaching over 90 degrees. Namibia is an arid country with a lack of surface water, low humidity, and dry heat.

During Pre-Service Training (PST), you will live with a local family who will share Namibian culture and traditions, teach you how to manage village life, and practice speaking the local language with you. Your living situation will depend on your assignment location. Education PCVs may be placed in rural, urban, or peri-urban areas. Accommodations vary, including apartments with modern amenities, single rooms on school premises, or modest houses with shared kitchens and common areas. Most homes have indoor plumbing and electricity, though some PCVs may live in traditional housing with electricity. Flexibility and adaptability are desired characteristics for any potential Volunteer.

Namibians eat large quantities of meat, often accompanied by a carbohydrate. However, there are options for vegetarians, given the wide availability of vegetables, fruit, legumes, and eggs. Alcohol is widely consumed, particularly during holidays or special events, but it is not a problem if you politely decline.

PCVs either walk or bike if schools are nearby. For longer distances, they take minibuses or shared taxis.

PCVs may face some discomfort living in a country with a recent post-apartheid and colonial past. Namibia is exceedingly diverse with a complex history affecting its politics, economy, and society. Living and working in Namibia means navigating extreme economic disparity and one's own identities, especially around race and ethnicity. Peace Corps will help Trainees understand and navigate these situations.

Volunteers may experience a high degree of curiosity or unwanted attention from host country nationals. Concepts of politeness and appropriate behavior are not universal. Volunteers have been able to turn these encounters into teaching and learning opportunities, sharing American values and deepening local community members’ understanding of Americans.

You will live among people who may have different cultural norms. Your effectiveness as a PCV depends on your ability to navigate these norms, so flexibility and a willingness to learn and understand are key. Norms you may encounter include a high importance placed on personal relationships and a casual attitude towards time and deadlines. Your training will help prepare you for these challenges.

Rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV are high in Namibia. PCVs may meet people living with HIV or those who have experienced GBV. PCVs receive support to navigate this space.

Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Namibia: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.

Medical considerations

Before you apply, please review medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.

Couples information

Peace Corps/Namibia welcomes couples. For programmatic reasons, your partner must apply and qualify for one of the following:

• Secondary Education Math Teacher position
• Secondary and Upper Primary English Teacher position

During Pre-Service Training and other training events, couples may be asked to share rooms with other Trainees and Volunteers, depending on availability of rooms. Though conditions of housing and communities will vary, couples will live together during service.