Activity/project background
Partner: Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MoECST) (Government…
The Special Education Unit within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology in Belize is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for students with diverse needs across the country. The unit currently focuses on developing inclusive education policies, implementing specialized programs, and distributing resources to support physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. Their ongoing initiatives include teacher training, policy development, and school-based interventions aimed at improving access to quality education for students.
To further strengthen these efforts, the Special Education Unit seeks support in enhancing its teacher training initiatives to improve inclusive education practices across Belize. This includes building capacity for developing individualized education plans (IEPs), differentiating instruction, and assessing students to identify diverse needs. Previous assistance from Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) and Peace Corps Response Volunteers (PCRVs) has provided foundational support in literacy intervention. The Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) will now focus on advancing these teacher training efforts by offering expertise in inclusive education strategies and guiding educators in applying best practices to meet the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities or learning challenges. The primary audience for this engagement includes special education teachers, classroom teachers, and school administrators, all of whom support preschool and primary students and play a vital role in fostering an inclusive learning environment.
The organization is presently collaborating with a Peace Corps Response Volunteer. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Engagement and tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Co-conduct an assessment to evaluate current strengths and areas of opportunity related to inclusive education practices
• Co-design four teacher training modules focused on inclusive education strategies, including differentiated instruction and assessment tools. This will occur during the first four weeks, with sessions scheduled for 2-hour blocks weekly, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Belize time
• Conduct two 1.5-hour professional development workshops per month, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Belize time, to train teachers and administrators on applying inclusive education practices in the classroom
• Offer weekly virtual mentorship and support to teachers implementing inclusive strategies. This will occur in 1-hour sessions every Monday evening, 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 pm. Belize time, through Zoom or WhatsApp
• After each training session, review progress with the Special Education Unit, gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments to the training content or delivery. Meetings will be held bi-weekly on Fridays from 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Belize time via Zoom
VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 10 hours per week.
Online collaboration will generally occur between 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m. Belize time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to device and internet 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:
• To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• 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: BachelorÂ’s degree in education, special education, educational psychology, or related field
Experience:
• 3 years of teaching experience in special education or inclusive education settings
• Experience conducting teacher training or professional development workshops
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
Education: MasterÂ’s degree in education, special education, applied behavioral analysis, speech and language communication, occupational therapy, or related field
Language: Intermediate Spanish
Experience:
• 5 years of experience conducting teacher training or professional development workshops
• 2 years of international experience
• Experience designing and delivering virtual trainings
• Experience developing and implementing formative assessment tools
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 CorpsÂ’ 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
