English Education Teacher and Trainer - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Timor-Leste - 2 years, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on May 3, 2025
About The Job
Apply by :
October 1, 2025
Know By
December 1, 2025
Depart On
June 16, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Timor-Leste is a young, dynamic democracy that gained independence in 2002 after more than 400 years of Portuguese rule and 25 years under Indonesian occupation. Its rich cultural diversity is reflected in the many languages spoken throughout the country, including Tetun (the most widely spoken among 30+ local languages), Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia, and English, which the government increasingly prioritizes.
English Education Teachers and Trainers are vital in strengthening English education in Timor-Leste. Volunteers are placed in rural middle and high schools, working closely with local teachers and school directors to enhance classroom instruction. Typically collaborating with up to four English teachers, they engage in co-teaching and mentoring to improve language proficiency, student-centered teaching methods, lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment. This hands-on, side-by-side approach fosters skill development and professional growth among local educators.
Timorese schools present unique challenges, including limited classroom resources, occasional teacher shortages, and accessibility barriers for students. Despite these hurdles, Volunteers serve as role models and build strong, supportive relationships with their counterparts. By embracing these challenges and collaborating with local communities, they help schools develop solutions, improve learning environments, and create lasting, positive change.
Beyond co-teaching, Volunteers are encouraged to engage in professional development initiatives, support youth programs, and respond to community needs through both formal and informal English instruction. Past Volunteers have led teacher training workshops, facilitated youth clubs and camps, introduced creative activities like cooking classes and Zumba sessions, translated children's books into Tetun, assisted the Ministry of Education with curriculum review, recorded oral resources for classes, and established school libraries. Additionally, all Volunteers in Timor-Leste are encouraged to contribute to addressing broader community challenges, such as malnutrition and disaster risk reduction. By immersing themselves in the local culture and forming strong partnerships, Volunteers enhance English education and contribute to meaningful, long-term development in Timor-Leste.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English
Apply by :
October 1, 2025
Know By
December 1, 2025
Depart On
June 16, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
ELIGIBILITY: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Project description
Timor-Leste is a young, dynamic democracy that gained independence in 2002 after more than 400 years of Portuguese rule and 25 years under Indonesian occupation. Its rich cultural diversity is reflected in the many languages spoken throughout the country, including Tetun (the most widely spoken among 30+ local languages), Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia, and English, which the government increasingly prioritizes.
English Education Teachers and Trainers are vital in strengthening English education in Timor-Leste. Volunteers are placed in rural middle and high schools, working closely with local teachers and school directors to enhance classroom instruction. Typically collaborating with up to four English teachers, they engage in co-teaching and mentoring to improve language proficiency, student-centered teaching methods, lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment. This hands-on, side-by-side approach fosters skill development and professional growth among local educators.
Timorese schools present unique challenges, including limited classroom resources, occasional teacher shortages, and accessibility barriers for students. Despite these hurdles, Volunteers serve as role models and build strong, supportive relationships with their counterparts. By embracing these challenges and collaborating with local communities, they help schools develop solutions, improve learning environments, and create lasting, positive change.
Beyond co-teaching, Volunteers are encouraged to engage in professional development initiatives, support youth programs, and respond to community needs through both formal and informal English instruction. Past Volunteers have led teacher training workshops, facilitated youth clubs and camps, introduced creative activities like cooking classes and Zumba sessions, translated children's books into Tetun, assisted the Ministry of Education with curriculum review, recorded oral resources for classes, and established school libraries. Additionally, all Volunteers in Timor-Leste are encouraged to contribute to addressing broader community challenges, such as malnutrition and disaster risk reduction. By immersing themselves in the local culture and forming strong partnerships, Volunteers enhance English education and contribute to meaningful, long-term development in Timor-Leste.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English