We are seeking a native English speaker to teach at the preschool level at CEDEI School in Cuenca, Ecuador. September 1st, 2005 - July 31st, 2006

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CEDEI SCHOOL:

CEDEI School is located in Cuenca, Ecuador. Cuenca is a small colonial city in the Andes mountains. Our school opened in September 2003. In the 2005-2006 school year, the school will include a nursery school classroom (2- and 3-year-olds), three preschool classrooms (3- and 4-year-olds), two ¨primero de basica¨ classes (5- and 6- year olds, equivalent of kindergarten/first grade), and a ¨segundo de basica¨ class (6- and 7- year olds). One grade level will be added each year.

The educational philosophy of the school is based on the multiple intelligences of Howard Gardner: language, math and logic, spatial vision, kinesthetics, music, nature, and interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. CEDEI School also attempts to teach its students about the world, its cultures, traditions, festivals, foods, dress, traditional stories, and the like with the intention of giving each child a sense of belonging to the human race.

Each classroom has a Spanish-speaking Ecuadorian teacher, but the English-speaking international staff teaches content in English and is expected to speak to the children in English only. This way the children learn English from native speakers at the same time and in the same natural way that they acquire their native language of Spanish.

Besides being immersed in an English speaking environment, the idea behind having an international staff is that from a very young age, the children will be exposed to a variety of cultures. With the presence of international teachers of different religious, social, and educational backgrounds, our hope is that these children will have a very marked experience from early on, in an environment that promotes thought stimulation and analysis of their emotions. We hope that in the future they will learn to criticize and propose alternatives to political, social, economic, artistic, and cultural problems that exist.

We are seeking native English speakers to form our international staff for the 2005-2006 school year. Working at CEDEI School is an excellent opportunity to travel abroad, gain teaching experience, and learn Spanish.

REQUIREMENTS:

--Educational background and/or experience in early childhood education or elementary education, experience working with 2-7 year-olds

--TEFL or English as a Second Language education or experience is helpful.

--Spanish is not required but is helpful.

--Flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor required

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (details are subject to change):

--Speaking to the children at all times in English.

--Leading daily opening and closing activities (songs, games, calendar activities, etc.) in the classroom.

--Planning and teaching Computer, Math, Linguistics, and Library lessons in English at the preschool level.

--Provide support in the nursery school classroom.

--This teacher will also be in charge of coordinating Linguistics activities for the school and in charge of the Linguistics and Library materials.

--Assisting with snack time, recess, and bus duty.

--Assisting in chaperoning field trips to various sites in the city.

--Schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

--Teachers should arrive for orientation by September 1st, 2005 and commit to stay until July 31, 2006.

--You will need to obtain a cultural exchange visa (12-VIII) for Ecuador (we will help provide necessary documents, but all costs will be your responsibility). You can also come with a tourist visa and we can help you get your 12-VIII visa once you arrive.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

--A stipend of $296 a month for those with a bachelors degree in education or $265 for those without a bachelors degree. If budgeted well, this stipend will be enough to live comfortably in Cuenca.

--Free high quality Spanish classes at your level in the afternoons at CEDEI (Centro de Estudios Interamericanos)

--Possibility of participating in free art classes and salsa dance classes.

--Free internet access, ID card with discounts, access to CEDEI’s library

--We can help you find living arrangements.

To apply please send resume and cover letter via email to pvera@cedeischool.edu.ec
Attention to Ellen Bergstrom, International Team Coordinator