Literacy Teacher - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Jamaica • North America - 2 years, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Apr 3, 2026
About The Project
Primary schools across Jamaica are seeking support to foster a lifelong love of learning among young readers, strengthen classroom instruction, and help communities build a culture of learning.
Many Jamaican students reach grade 7 without the strong reading and comprehension skills needed for academic success. Recent reports show that at some schools, over 70% of early secondary students are reading below grade level, reflecting literacy gaps that begin in the primary years. Limited access to individualized support and targeted interventions makes it difficult for struggling readers to catch up. Educators are deeply committed to addressing these challenges but need additional support to provide literacy instruction, engaging reading activities, and extra attention to students who need it most.
As a Literacy Teacher, you will play a vital role in helping children build essential reading and writing skills. Working alongside Jamaican educators, you will support classroom instruction, develop targeted interventions, and help parents learn useful strategies to continue learning at home. Your service will strengthen schools, expand literacy opportunities, and contribute to lasting educational progress.
Activities
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Identify students who need additional literacy support and develop targeted intervention plans.
Conduct small-group and individual literacy sessions focused on reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and foundational skills.
Strengthen lesson plans, classroom management, and student-centered instructional strategies.
Assist the implementation of culturally responsive and evidence-based literacy practices.
Lead or support literacy enrichment initiatives, including reading clubs, library development, creative arts integration, or literacy gardens.
Engage parents and community members by sharing adaptable strategies to support children’s literacy development at home.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as a book club for adults and after-school sports.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have:
Key dates
APPLY BY : August 15, 2026
KNOW BY : October 1, 2026
DEPART ON : March 8, 2027
DURATION : 2 years, plus 3 months training
Primary schools across Jamaica are seeking support to foster a lifelong love of learning among young readers, strengthen classroom instruction, and help communities build a culture of learning.
Many Jamaican students reach grade 7 without the strong reading and comprehension skills needed for academic success. Recent reports show that at some schools, over 70% of early secondary students are reading below grade level, reflecting literacy gaps that begin in the primary years. Limited access to individualized support and targeted interventions makes it difficult for struggling readers to catch up. Educators are deeply committed to addressing these challenges but need additional support to provide literacy instruction, engaging reading activities, and extra attention to students who need it most.
As a Literacy Teacher, you will play a vital role in helping children build essential reading and writing skills. Working alongside Jamaican educators, you will support classroom instruction, develop targeted interventions, and help parents learn useful strategies to continue learning at home. Your service will strengthen schools, expand literacy opportunities, and contribute to lasting educational progress.
Activities
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Identify students who need additional literacy support and develop targeted intervention plans.
Conduct small-group and individual literacy sessions focused on reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and foundational skills.
Strengthen lesson plans, classroom management, and student-centered instructional strategies.
Assist the implementation of culturally responsive and evidence-based literacy practices.
Lead or support literacy enrichment initiatives, including reading clubs, library development, creative arts integration, or literacy gardens.
Engage parents and community members by sharing adaptable strategies to support children’s literacy development at home.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as a book club for adults and after-school sports.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have:
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English
Key dates
APPLY BY : August 15, 2026
KNOW BY : October 1, 2026
DEPART ON : March 8, 2027
DURATION : 2 years, plus 3 months training