English Co-Teacher

Job Description
OVERVIEW:

Peace Corps Colombia's Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) project supports national priorities in education and workforce development by strengthening English instruction in public schools and community settings. English proficiency is widely seen in Colombia as a pathway to academic, professional, and global opportunities. Yet challenges, including limited teacher preparation and classroom resources, continue to hinder progress.

In alignment with Colombia's National Bilingualism Program, this project addresses those gaps by building teacher capacity, improving student and community English proficiency, and integrating English into broader development activities. Peace Corps TEFL Volunteers (hereafter, Volunteer) serve in both the Caribbean and Andean regions, working with national and local partners to promote inclusive, practical English education.

GOAL:

Students and community members have communication skills in English necessary to access academic, professional, and/or personal development opportunities.

OBJECTIVES:

• Increase the capacity of teachers to use and teach English.

• Increase achievement of students in English.

• Increase achievement of community members in English.

ADDITIONAL CONTEXT:

Volunteers are placed in public secondary schools (grades 6–11) and in technical institutions such as the Service Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA). They do not teach independently but are trained to work in a collaborative and supportive role alongside Colombian teachers to co-plan and co-teach classes. While most teachers hold education degrees, many seek support to enhance their English fluency and teaching practices.

TYPICAL VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

• Co-planning and co-teaching English classes.

• Co-facilitating workshops on teaching strategies, classroom management, and use of educational technology.

• Hosting English conversation groups for teachers.

• Leading extracurricular activities such as clubs, tutoring sessions, or student projects.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ENGLISH FOR LIFE:

English learning extends beyond school. Volunteers facilitate community English classes and support adult learners pursuing academic or employment goals. They may co-lead youth-focused programs that promote communication, self-esteem, and leadership, or contribute to community initiatives such as summer camps, arts programs, or sports events.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION AND ICT4D:

Many schools have access to devices such as interactive TVs, tablets, and computers, but these tools are often underused for English learning. Volunteers support students and educators in learning to use available technology to make lessons more dynamic and interactive. This approach, known as Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), helps bridge digital gaps.

CROSS-SECTOR WORK:

TEFL Volunteers often contribute to initiatives that promote women, youth, health education, environmental awareness, or life skills. These projects may be integrated into English instruction or conducted in collaboration with local organizations. Volunteers are encouraged to apply their unique skills to address local priorities.

REGIONAL PRIORITIES:

Volunteer placements are prioritized in communities where English skills are relevant to local economic and educational needs, such as tourism or access to higher education, and where counterparts show strong motivation. Sites are located in four departments of the Caribbean region and three departments in the Andes. All sites are vetted for safety, institutional support, and alignment with Ministry of Education goals.

Required Skills
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English, and:

SPECIAL NOTICE ABOUT CITIZENSHIP:

Candidates who are dual citizens of Colombia and the U.S. or who were born in Colombia and became U.S. citizens after July 4, 1991 are not eligible to serve in Peace Corps Colombia. Under Colombian law, anyone born in Colombia who became a U.S. citizen after 1991 or anyone holding dual U.S. and Colombia citizenship is considered a citizen of Colombia, and not of the United States. If an individual faced a legal, safety, or emergency situation in Colombia, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene would be limited. If you fit one of these categories, we encourage you to look at Peace Corps Volunteer assignments in other countries.

Desired Skills
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria: 

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English, Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English as a Second Language (ESL), Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), foreign language, or Applied Linguistics.

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) with graduate or undergraduate concentration in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL, TESL, or foreign language.

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with concentration in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL, TESL, or foreign language.

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with secondary education state certification in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL, TESL, or foreign language.

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL and TESL, or foreign language with 6 months classroom teaching experience at the secondary level in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL, TESL, or foreign language.

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline with 1 academic year classroom teaching experience at the secondary level in English, TEFL, TESOL, ESL and TESL, or foreign language.

• Experience in public speaking and presentation

• Experience co-planning and co-teaching

• Experience teaching or training adults

Living Conditions
COMMUNITY LOCATION & CLIMATE:

Volunteer sites are located in small to medium-sized rural and semi-urban communities in the Caribbean and Andean regions, typically no more than six hours from a major city.

Caribbean: Hot and humid year-round, with frequent power outages and water shortages. Seasons alternate between dry spells and heavy rain with high humidity.

Andean: Cooler, with temperatures between 45°F and 75°F. Rainfall occurs year-round and nights can be cold.

Volunteers may encounter limited infrastructure, unpaved roads, and basic amenities.

HOUSING REQUIREMENTS:

Volunteers live with host families during Pre-Service Training and the first six months of service. Afterward, they may move to independent housing if it meets Peace Corps' safety, budget, and logistical criteria.

Living with a host family is a key component of cultural integration, language acquisition, and trust-building. Flexibility and mutual respect are essential. Couples live separately during training but may live together independently during service.

TRANSPORTATION:

Volunteers are expected to live primarily in their assigned communities. Travel is limited to school or organizational breaks and Peace Corps events. Daily travel includes public buses, bicycles (with prior approval), and walking, especially in remote or hilly areas.

Driving or riding motorcycles and travel after dark are both prohibited.

DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS:

Local diets are carb-heavy (yucca, rice, corn, potatoes) with meat or eggs. Fruits and vegetables are widely available. Vegetarian or vegan diets are uncommon in rural areas. Volunteers with dietary restrictions must be flexible and able to communicate needs clearly.

INTERNET & TELEPHONE ACCESS:

Internet is available in most towns; some host homes have personal connections. Internet cafés and the Peace Corps office (with Wi-Fi and computers) offer additional access.

Volunteers must have a working cell phone at all times. A basic phone is provided during training. Personal devices should be insured, and backups (USB or external drives) are strongly recommended.

PROFESSIONALISM & APPEARANCE:

Professionalism includes adjusting to community norms around appearance and behavior. Clean, pressed, conservative clothing is expected, especially in the workplace. Business casual to smart casual is the standard. Flip-flops, shorts, sleeveless tops, and visible tattoos or facial piercings are not appropriate early in service.

Volunteers are encouraged to adapt hairstyles, grooming, and clothing to align with local expectations. Personal expression may be reintroduced gradually as trust is built, in consultation with staff or mentors.

CULTURAL INTEGRATION & SOCIAL NORMS:

Colombian social life is vibrant and community based. In the Caribbean region, music and celebrations are frequent; in the Andes, events are more subdued but equally valued. Soccer, cycling, and other sports are popular. Volunteers are encouraged to engage actively in local customs and build strong relationships to foster integration and project success.

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