Elementary School Literacy and Math Teacher

Want to make a difference in a young student’s life by sparking a love of learning and keeping students on a path for success?

Early literacy acquisition remains a significant challenge for many Guyanese students at the elementary levels. The Ministry of Education continues to see consistently low performances in mathematics and reading on standardized assessments. In response, the government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education have placed literacy and numeracy development at the forefront of national priorities, recognizing the large proportion of students who are not meeting grade-level expectations. This longstanding challenge is even more pronounced in rural and hinterland communities where teacher shortages and limited training opportunities persist. To address these issues, the government has implemented a range of education-focused initiatives, including curriculum reform, investments in digital learning, and teacher training programs.

As an Elementary School Literacy and Math Teacher, you will collaborate with classroom teachers to strengthen the students’ literacy and numeracy skills. Together, you will conduct diagnostic assessments and design tailor-made interventions to ensure every student receives the support needed to succeed. You will cultivate a positive learning environment and parental engagement to reinforce lesson beyond the classroom.

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).

Volunteers serve in regional communities ranging from remote towns to semi‑urban villages. Volunteers will be accommodated in host families as a priority, with limited independent housing. Daily life may include modest living conditions with limited electricity, internet, and running water. While most sites are rural, Volunteers can visit larger markets monthly to restock supplies.

Develop a deep understanding of student‑centered learning methods and apply effective, curriculum‑aligned strategies when planning lessons to meet national standards.
Make a meaningful impact by strengthening literacy and math skills among young students.
Learn basic Creolese while gaining a deeper understanding of Guyana’s rich culture.

Teach literacy and math in both formal and informal school settings.
Strengthen the teachers’ capacity in literacy and math teaching practices.
Facilitate community engagement activities that support student learning and educational outcomes.
Plan and facilitate projects and activities that promote awareness on cultures, languages, and perspectives.
Implement organizational development practices, tools, or resources to strengthen organizational capacity.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as facilitating community library clubs.

As an Elementary Literacy and Math Teacher, you will be trained on phonics-based instruction, strategies for accelerating literacy and numeracy outcomes, and the curriculum. Peace Corps/Guyana will teach you basic Creolese to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.

After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a remote or semi-urban community where you will collaborate with government and non-governmental and civic organizations. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on improving literacy and numeracy attainment of students, boosting parental involvement activities, designing clubs and camp activities, and cultural exchange and awareness programs.