Description

The Organization
Safe Passage provides school fees, educational reinforcement, and nutrition to children contending with extreme poverty. Today Safe Passage serves approximately 550 children and their families with an integrated program that incorporates healthy living, strong academics, life skills, creativity and fun.

At Safe Passage, we believe every child should have the opportunity to receive an education. Our programs are designed so that each child gains the skills needed to obtain a stable job, to be self-sufficient and self-reliant, and to lead their families out of poverty in a dignified and permanent way.

Safe Passage has more than 100 dedicated staff in Guatemala and a small office in Yarmouth, Maine. At any one time there are more than 40 volunteers from a dozen countries working in the program. Each year, as many as 20 service teams spend a week with Safe Passage, and over a thousand Guatemalan and international visitors come to observe the program. Most importantly, Safe Passage is well-known and well-respected within the community for our methodology of working with, not for, the community.

The Position

The mission of the English Department is to equip students with the English language skills necessary to attend university and secure jobs in fields requiring English, which can pay as much as ten times more than working in the dump, and offer benefits such as healthcare and tuition reimbursement.

The English Teacher has overall responsibility for teaching English 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 five to six 30-minute English classes per day for students. Create lesson plans based on online 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. 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 tutoring. Tutor teachers, staff and parents one-on-one or in s mall groups as needed.
- Keep it fun and creative. Be innovative and creative in engaging and motivating students.

Highlights

- Opportunity to work with and learn about an incredible population while gaining professional experience
- 150 USD/mo stipend for a commitment of 6 months or more
- Curriculum provided
- Paid prep time
- Free day-long departmental professional development trainings once per month
- Free transportation to the project
- Breakfast, lunch, and snack at the project
- Volunteer appreciation events
- Organizational and departmental culture of friendly, supportive relationships
- Paid sick leave
- 5 paid vacation days per 6-month period
- One month paid vacation during school break (Dec-Jan)
- Paid Guatemalan national holidays

Qualifications

- Passion for Safe Passages 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, especially to school-aged students;
- 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)

Minimum Education

Diploma/Certification

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 50

Cost Includes:

• Registration fees

Salary/Pay

150 USD/mo with 6-month commitment

Experience Required

yes

we prefer TEFL certification and/or teaching experience.

Volunteer Types

• Education
• English Teaching
• Popular Education
• Primary Education
• Public Education
• Volunteering

Age Range

21-30

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Safe Passage's Mission Statement

Our Mission is to create opportunities and foster dignity through the power of education. Safe Passage works with the poorest at-risk children of families working in the Guatemala City garbage dump. Within a safe and caring environment, we provide a comprehensive and integrated program that fosters hope, good health, educational achievement, self-sufficiency, self esteem and confidence.

Year Founded

1999