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If you enjoy connecting math to real-world applications for young learners, classrooms in Tanzania are looking for your support!
Tanzania has a significant need for teachers at rural schools, particularly in math and science. The government of Tanzania recognizes the need for students to develop skills in these subjects to support the development of problem-solving skills both in and out of the classroom. However, the government has recently faced challenges in employing civil servants, including STEM teachers, due to its limited budget; a lack of immediate replacements when teachers retire; some teachers choosing to leave the profession to look for more lucrative opportunities; and a low output of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers at universities due to few students studying STEM subjects in secondary school.
As a Math Teacher, you will teach algebra to advanced calculus to large classrooms of students ages 12 to 20. Alongside school staff, you will strengthen the capacity of local teachers to teach math subjects.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Tanzania project page.
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in math
OR
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with secondary certification in math
OR
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Math, Engineering, or Computer Science
OR
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with a minor or equivalent (15 semester/22 quarter hours) in math
Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.
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
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Prepare lesson plans and teach math using a variety of engaging student‑centered methods
Design sustainable learning aids using locally available materials
Organize experiential learning activities, such as field trips or guest speakers
Support remedial groups and after-school tutoring Develop and participate in communities of practice with local educators.
Organize learning opportunities outside the classroom, such as math competitions
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities such as youth life skills camps and HIV prevention outreach.
Volunteers will live in rural communities within Peace Corps/Tanzania’s current regions of operation: Dodoma, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Njombe, Tanga and the island of Zanzibar.
Volunteers live just a few hours away from small- to mid-size towns with banks, a variety of shops, markets, local restaurants, and guesthouses. Most Volunteers are housed on the school compound, while others are housed in the village within walking or biking distance to their assigned school. Access to and/or consistency of electricity and running water in homes is not a guarantee.
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Tanzania country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Secondary Math Teacher
"I was constantly amazed by the creativity and resourcefulness of the Tanzanian people around me—repairing instead of replacing, repurposing instead of discarding, and finding solutions with what’s available."
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As a Math Teacher, you will be trained on the local curriculum, lesson planning techniques, classroom management practices, and national assessments. Peace Corps/Tanzania will teach you Kiswahili to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural community where you will collaborate with local educators and school staff to assess needs and develop solutions based on available resources.
Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program. Each person must apply separately and must qualify for a position in either the same or a different sector than their partner. Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities. Couples who are selected for the same sector will live together but work with different local partners which may be in the same community or in neighboring communities (not more than 30 minutes apart). 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 Tanzania, visit the country page.
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Tanzania. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.