1 or 2 Year Service/Teaching Opportunities in Guatemala: Bilingual Teacher/Coordinator Needed (Individual or Job-Sharing Option)

Interested? Contact ronitricoy@yahoo.com

Where: Small Guatemalan public secondary school in the impoverished but beautiful rural lakeside village of San Marcos La Laguna, Solola, Guatemala, attended by approximately 80 Mayan students.

When: January 3 – October 31, 2004, with probable option to renew through October 2005. (Preference given to candidates willing to consider 2-year commitment.) The Guatemalan school year runs January to October; classes are held between 1pm - 7pm. Some mornings required. Approx 30 hours/week.

What: Teach (in Spanish!) students aged 12 to 20 in one or (preferably) two of the following subjects: Math, Science, Spanish, Computers. Also teach one ESL (English as a Second Language) class and find/coordinate other volunteers. Serve as a mentor and trainer to fellow Guatemalan teachers (who have received poor education, very much need to be supported and trained, and need the example of a dedicated teacher with a strong work ethic… In this way we can break the cycle of poor education). Manage donations and scholarships. See below for a more complete listing of job responsibilities.

Who: Individuals, Couples, or Friends who meet the requirements and desire to make a difference. The job description and stipend listed below is appropriate for one individual. If two friends or a couple choose to apply together, we will make every effort to find additional funding. We are very open to discussing the unique combination of skills two of you may bring to the school and discussing how the job descriptions might be adjusted. For example, we would love to have someone able to repair computers or design a better English program. If you are interested, please contact me, describe your skills, and let’s talk about the possibilities! The school is public, but the stipend is paid for by University Praise Church of Fullerton and we seek committed Christian applicants.

Stipend: $100/month PLUS housing stipend. (A cute one-room house 100 meters from the lake is available for Q540, about $70, or you may choose another living arrangement up to Q700). Living expenses are low, but you will likely want to raise an additional $100 to $150/month through your church or community. Internet access is available at school. You will have international travel opportunities (weekend plus 2-3 days) to cross a border and do some sightseeing every 3 months (visa renewal). $500 Airfare Reimbursement at contract completion. (Note: If a couple or two friends apply together, we will attempt to fundraise and provide an appropriate stipend.)

Required:
•Strong Christian commitment and the desire to make a difference (This is a public school. However, most students are either Catholic or Protestant and your stipend was provided by University Praise Church of Fullerton, CA. The foreigners who live in the community are primarily New Age in their philosophy and spiritual outlook. There are many opportunities for Christian service.)
•Fluency in Spanish and English
•Ability to teach (in Spanish) one or (preferably) two of the following: Science, Math, Spanish, Computers (Note: The educational level is very low, so a high level or specific degree is not needed to teach Computers, Math, or Science.)
•Flexibility! (Needs change…)
•Teaching experience (Internship or practicum acceptable)
•Training in teaching methodology
•Computer Experience (the more the better!)
•Commitment to quality education
•Excellent organizational skills
•Unequivocal commitment to integrity and willingness to oppose corruption
•Ability to live and work in a third-world country
•Open-mindedness and the ability to interact with people from a variety of cultures/ backgrounds/ viewpoints/ lifestyles
•Fundraising experience (or a willingness to learn)

Responsibilities:
•Teach classes (in Spanish) in one or two subject areas (Math, Science, Spanish, Computers)
•Teach English to one grade and coordinate volunteers to teach the other two grades
•Enforce attendance and punctuality among the teachers and students (a daily and challenging responsibility)
•Provide teacher training workshops (basic curriculum content, basic methodology, organizational skills, how to use a textbook, effective use of other materials, practical ideas) – you are there to serve as a mentor and example to other teachers!
•Provide basic English workshops to IMEB and area teachers in coordination with the Department of Education
•Coordinate volunteers and volunteer activities. (Long-term volunteers who commit to 3, 5 1/2, or 10 months may teach English. Short-term volunteers from the local meditation center and other tourist volunteers may be involved in a variety of projects lasting from one day to several months.)
•Maintain the notice board in the internet café with postings regarding the school’s various needs, donation information, and volunteer opportunities
•Collect donations monthly from local donors and engage in fundraising locally and via e-mail
•Manage all donation money and keep clear accounting records
•Communicate with foreign sponsors and friends of the school and send quarterly e-mail updates
•E-mail monthly reports to state-side consultants (Ronit Klipp Ricoy and Laura Greeson, 2001 director/consultant and 2002 sub-director, who will always be available for advice and support) and Instant Message with Ronit monthly to discuss all activities concerning the school
•Develop and foster relationships with students, parents, local government, the Department of Education, and non-profit groups such as COED (which provides books)
•Oversee the computer lab and classes and possibly teach computer classes
•Creatively pursue projects at your discretion (in consultation with the director Juan Rodeno and with Ronit Klipp Ricoy and Laura Greeson) which enhance educational opportunities
•Consciously and consistently scrutinize actions and policies with the potential for corruption and be able to firmly but diplomatically take a stand as necessary
•Assist in the promotion of the school for the year 2005
•(Informally) assist in the hiring process for the staff of the year 2005
•Other (This job requires flexibility and it is impossible to state all current or potential responsibilities… but both Ronit and Laura have worked there and are open to talking through all of this with you if you are serious about the job.)

Contact: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and any questions you may have to Ronit Ricoy at ronitricoy@yahoo.com. Phone interviews will take place between November 15th and 22nd. Candidates will be notified of the results on Thanksgiving weekend. The position begins January 2nd but will require several preparatory December phone calls and e-mails. APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 10TH.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference – in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We encourage you to apply and look forward to answering any questions you may have.

Other Opportunities: Teach English approx. 10 hours/week. There is no stipend available for this, but you can live on as little as $300/month, including housing and combine a wonderful vacation and service opportunity.(Additional service opportunities available.) Minimum length of commitment: 3 months, coinciding with the appropriate school term. Applicants are encouraged to tell their friends about this additional volunteer position. No experience or degree necessary to teach English in San Marcos.