Safe Passage, a 501(C)3 non-profit development-focused organization, is seeking an exceptional new English Teacher to join our English Department team. Known in Guatemala as Camino Seguro, Safe Passage’s mission is to empower the poorest at-risk children and families who live in the Guatemala City garbage dump community by creating opportunity and fostering dignity through the power of education. Safe Passage is a secular, non-political organization.
Reporting to and working with the English Program Coordinator, the English Teacher has overall responsibility for teaching English curriculum content while nurturing a safe and empowering classroom environment for all of their classes. This position is located in the Educational Reinforcement Center, and will work with school age students, as well as support adult learning. The English Teacher will:
• Lead and manage English classes. Teach 5-6 English classes per day for school age
students. Create lesson plans based on corresponding curriculum and activities books.
Coordinate involvement of classroom teacher and classroom volunteer in English class
activities.
• Commit to the mission and contribute to the quality and effectiveness of the English
program. Collaborate with the Program Coordinator in strategic planning, and in assuring
program efficacy. Ensure that English policies and programs are well executed. Implement
student assessments and program evaluation and provide relevant information to the Program Coordinator. Propose ideas for program improvement, and work with the Coordinator to enhance the quality of integrated programs in the spirit of empowering Safe Passage youth.
• Support adult learning. Tutor teachers, staff and parents one-on-one or in small groups as
needed.
• Keep it fun and creative. Be innovative and creative in engaging and motivating students.
Qualifications
• Passion for Safe Passage’s mission, commitment to service and ability to engage children,
families, staff and volunteers;
• Understanding of teaching methodologies with at-risk, low-income student populations and
experience teaching these populations;
• Experience teaching ESL/EFL, especially to school-aged students;
• TEFL, TESOL, CELTA or other certificate;
• English fluency and at least a beginner level of Spanish (Spanish proficiency preferred);
• Cultural sensitivity, ability to connect across cultural and linguistic divides;
• Strong interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence;
• Patience and perseverance;
• Strong organizational skills and self-direction;
• Experience living or working in Guatemala or other developing nation (preferred)
Benefits
• $150 USD/mo living stipend
• Curriculum provided
• Paid prep time
• Free day-long departmental professional development trainings once per month
• Free transportation to the project
• Free breakfast, lunch and snack in the project
• Volunteer appreciation events
• Organizational and departmental culture of friendly, supportive relationships, as well as fostering new ideas, alternate approaches and creativity
• Paid sick leave
• 5 paid vacation days per 6-month period
• One month paid vacation during school break (Dec-Jan)
• Paid Guatemalan national holidays
• 35-hour work week
This is a 6-month volunteer position, with the option to extend. For more information, please see www.safepassage.org.
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Shannon Malone, English Program Coordinator, at englishprogram
safepassage.org.
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