Co-teach Students in STEAM Pathways Coding Camp

Activity/project background

Itz’at STEAM Academy is a bold initiative of Belize’s Ministry of Education which was created in partnership with MIT and the Inter-American Development Bank. Launched in September 2023, the Academy offers a transformative secondary school experience rooted in innovation, equity, and global relevance. It serves students aged 12–16 from across Belize, cultivating diverse talent through project-based learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and a culture of curiosity and care.

To expand its digital and creative offerings, Itz’at is seeking one VSPP to co-teach coding, computer science, digital art, animation, and game design. This remote engagement will support students in developing 21st-century skills and creative confidence, while also helping the academy build local capacity in emerging tech fields. The VSPP will collaborate with Itz’at educators and students in real time, offering mentorship, expertise, and dynamic co-teaching experiences.

While Itz’at has previously partnered with the Peace Corps, the VSPP role is distinct—designed for virtual collaboration and specialized instruction. The academy is looking for a U.S. citizen with a passion for education, creativity, and global impact to help shape the next generation of Belizean innovators. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a Peace Corps Volunteer or Peace Corps Response Volunteer.

Engagement and tasks

The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:

• Collaborate with educators to align sessions with student needs and learning objectives
• Co-conduct weekly 2-hour seminar sessions focusing on coding
• Provide guidance and insights into the industry’s best practices, emerging technologies, and creative applications
• Engage students in interactive projects and coding exercises to enhance their practical skills
• Develop and deliver four presentations at school-wide events
• Offer mentorship and career advice for those interested in pursuing technology and design fields. These will be woven into group sessions

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5–15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5 hours per week (2-hour seminar sessions; 3 hours planning and conferencing with teachers).

Online collaboration will generally occur between 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Belize time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, email, and WhatsApp for regular communication and collaboration.

Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

Optional additional activities

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement. See recommendations and tools for Goal 3 activities.

Essential qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, STEM education, or a related field.

Experience:
• 2 years teaching, mentoring, or facilitating learning in virtual settings
• Practical experience in coding
• Proficiency in Python and/or Java programming languages, coding techniques, and technology trends to provide relevant instruction
• Designing and planning lessons

Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually

Desired qualifications

Experience: Virtual engagement and communication

Terms and conditions of engagement

VSPPs will be engaging with the host country partner, in coordination with Peace Corps post staff, remotely from the US. They should have access to a computer, internet, and telephone in order to enable direct engagement with the Peace Corps overseas office and the Host Country Counterpart assigned by the host country partner.

Orientation with the host country partner will be provided, within the designated virtual service hours, during the first week of virtual service via an online presentation and discussion. The host country partner will provide an overview of its organization, the local context, and how they envision collaborating with the VSPP.

The VSPP will have regular check-ins with their counterpart and bi-weekly check-ins with Peace Corps staff. Spending unstructured time with counterparts can be critical to relationship-building and is encouraged through activities such as coffee chats and informal calls within the weekly 5-15 hours.

Engagement safety and security

The VSPP will receive an orientation on Peace Corps’ Child Protection Policy and how it relates to online engagement along with IT security best practices. The VSPP will be expected to follow safety and security guidelines for online engagement to ensure their safety and that of the Host Country Partner and their counterpart, and any beneficiaries of the engagement.

Supervision requirements

The VSPP will report to a designated Peace Corps staff member. The VSPP will be expected to abide by the Virtual Service Pilot Participant and Donation Agreement and Participant Principles of Engagement. The VSPP will also be expected to check in with the designated host country counterpart as assigned by the host county partner.