Education Director/Teachers Wanted

  Costa Rica

San Jose

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Please Contact Us for more information

Description: Our organization is a not-for-profit volunteer based learning experience, that allows our volunteers the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge towards learning-based environment while helping others. The Copey Academe is a school located 50km from San Jose in the village of Copey. Situated in the mountains, Copey is a farming community with minimal educational opportunity. We have started our organization in the heart of this community to educate, and to provide opportunities for the students as they grow. We provide secondary education from grade 7 to grade 12 for individuals in our community. We are developing a Continuing Education ESL program for the adults in our community as well as a Preparatory ESL program for students in the primary public school. Our curriculum is English based and performed primarily on personal computers; however, we are looking to expand our base toward vocational education. Teachers supplement learning through curriculum developed by the school as well as practical application.

Our organization provides a learning and research opportunity for young BA recipients just starting their careers as well as students pursuing degrees in higher education. If you are looking for research to supplement your MA or PhD. there are excellent opportunities to do research. We are flexible with experience, but high moral values and a BA are required. We ask for a 3 month commitment toward teaching but have volunteers staying for 6 months and 12 months. Our Executive Director lives in the village and has frequently aided in continuing education through internships and continuing education credits through U.S. Universities. You must have permission from your School's Dean to qualify for this opportunity.

As we are a not-for-profit organization, we cannot compensate for your travel or for your service to the community. It is our experience that expenses for travel vary but average around 300 USD round trip. We do provide the opportunity to live in our volunteer house or to live with a host family in the community. We provide the room and meals while you are volunteering for our organization at no cost to you. You will have ample opportunity to learn about the culture, speak Spanish, swim, hike, and rock climb in the mountains. Our school is in a rural jungle region of Costa Rica and is far from much larger cities, however, there is access to a bus line that will afford you the opportunity to visit other parts of the country on your days off.

If you are interested in this wonderful learning opportunity please contact us.

We are looking to fill positions immediately for the remaining portion of the school year, so if you are in San Jose, please email me without delay.

Please include the following in your email:

* Current Resume or CV
* Dates of Travel
* Length of stay
* Area of interest
* Classes you would like to teach

Qualifications: We are looking for individuals who want to spend some time away from the typical rush of life, and supplement a learning environment for underprivileged children in Costa Rica.

Our prime candidate will have one or more of the following:

* Minimum Education requirement: BS/BA
* Our preference is a degree with an education or educational background with multidiscipline expertise.

We currently need a Director of Education:

This candidate will have strong skills in organization, administration, curriculum development, student success testing and analysis. Must be able to act as the principal of the school and work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors while managing the school and Teachers. Knowledge of community planning is valuable but not required. This position is for one year starting in January.

We currently need teachers for the following positions:

* Math
* Science, Ecology
* English
* Art/Music/Theatre
* Computer Science
* Social Sciences/Geography
* Ethics
* Vocation

Athletics instructor: Soccer and other team sports would be a benefit.

Versatility is a must, as we retain a small staff of volunteers, if you are multi disciplinary please let us know which areas you can best help us with. The more you know and can contribute to the community, the better the opportunity is for the community to succeed.

Desired Characteristics

* A strong desire to help others
* Honesty
* Commitment
* Drug and Alcohol free
* Strong vocational skills
* Strong interpersonal skills
* Strong communication skills
* Strong work ethic
* Outdoor eco-friendly attitude

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Salary / Pay: A small stipend may be negotiated. Housing and food is provided. Relocation costs will not be paid or reimbursed.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Copey Academe's Mission Statement: To provide secondary education to rural jungle communities throughout Central America

Year Founded: 2006