Youth English Teacher – Brasilito

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Youth English Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing English classes and educational activities for our after school program in Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The main responsibilities of this position include planning and teaching Pre-Kinder through 6th grade after school English classes. TheYouth English Teacher will work closely with the Executive Director and Brasilito team to design and implement other youth education activities, including tutoring sessions, art classes, monthly workshops and special events. The ideal candidate for this position is a an experienced teacher who takes initiative and pride in doing their job well; has experience with and a love for working with children who have learning and behavior challenges; and is someone with strong classroom management skills, a positive and creative approach to learning and endless patience and adaptability.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage, plan and implement all daily English classes for Abriendo Mentes’ after school program in Brasilito, for children Pre-Kinder through 6th grade.
• Supervise, assist and actively incorporate Classroom Aides in the class and facilitate their classroom orientation.
• Work with the Brasilito team to create and implement other youth education related activities, including tutoring, sports, arts and crafts, field trips, environmental projects, health projects, and more.
• Schedule all youth English classes and activities and notify students and parents of any schedule changes.
• Coordinate and execute all ‘Fun Friday’, ‘Reading Time’, and ‘Homework Help’  activities with the help of Classroom Aides and other volunteers.
• Track attendance and related incentive programs
• Communicate regularly with local public school English Teacher and Director to keep informed about schedules and English curriculum.
• Maintain a clean and well-organized classroom and Youth English office space.
• Maintain strong communication with supervisors, volunteers, parents, and partner schools.

REQUIREMENTS

• Native or advanced Spanish speaker with advanced to fluent English skills required.
• Primary school teaching experience; ESL teaching experience a plus.
• Experience working with children with learning delays and behavior challenges.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Experience with trauma informed education an asset.
• Experience working and/or teaching in a diverse classroom environment with mixed ages and varying levels.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work well with a team of international volunteers.
• Ability to create relevant literacy focused and English lessons for mixed abilities.  
• Experience living or working abroad in a rural community in the Global South, preferably in Latin America.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Friendly, Kind and Compassionate
• Classroom management strategies for bilingual classroom
• Lesson planning skills
• Creative and resourceful
• Adaptable and flexible
• Approachable and personable
• Organized and reliable
• Ability to work well with others and alone.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE

• Creative and resourceful – able to work in a rural environment with limited resources.
• Adaptable and flexible – demonstrate the ability to respond to frequently changing needs of the organization and community.
• Approachable and personable – able to build effective relationships with the AM team and local people in order to integrate into our small rural community.
• Organized and reliable – manage your time effectively, efficiently use AM resources, participate in AM meetings and events, and deliver on your responsibilities as discussed with the Site Director and Country Director.
• Able to commit 20-25 hours a week to this position (including teaching hours), and be flexible to ad hoc evening or weekend activities a few times a year.

CHALLENGES

• Taking ownership of the classroom- requires self initiative
• Managing different needs and abilities of students
• Working with another culture and language
• Living and working in a rural, isolated town

REPORTS TO

Executive Director

LOCATION(S)

Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

SALARY DETAILS

$500USD/month living stipend.

START DATE

August 26, 2019. Candidates must be able to commit to December 13, 2019. Preference will be given to those who can commit to longer.