Teach Disadvantaged Children in Honduras

  Honduras

Cofradia

Length of Position: July 15, 2009 - June 30, 2010 (with some flexibility)

Description: BECA is seeking elementary and middle school teachers for the 2009-2010 school year. First round applications for these positions are due on Sunday, February 1, 2009, though, as we accept applications on a rolling basis, you are strongly encouraged to apply earlier.

San Jeronimo Bilingual School (SJBS) is a community-managed non-profit school that aims to change the Honduran status quo. SJBS serves 185 socioeconomically diverse students in Cofradia, Cortes.

A group of parents, the Asociación de Padres Proeducación founded SJBS in 2004 and they are responsible for the on-going administration and maintenance of the school.

BECA is SJBS's U.S. non-profit partner. BECA supports SJBS by recruiting and training a qualified group of service-minded volunteer teachers. BECA's presence allows the school to keep costs very low and provide a significant number of scholarships (no fewer than 25% of the school population at any time) to students from very low income families.

Our model is built on partnership between Hondurans committed to high quality, progressive education and foreigners interested in a truly authentic cultural immersion. This partnership results in affordable and free bilingual education for our students and authentic cultural immersion for our volunteers.

There are no handouts in our model. Families whose children receive scholarships contribute towards their childs education through completion of a monthly service requirement. This service not only enables them to feel a sense of pride in their contribution to their childs education, it also offers opportunity to gain practical skills. Everything we do is about education.

As a result of their experiences, our volunteers return home prepared to better serve the needs of our country's rapidly growing Latino population - in the classroom and elsewhere. This experience is best suited to individuals who are comfortable with significant independence and responsibility.

Job responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
* Planning lessons and teaching all subjects except Spanish and Honduran Social Studies;
* Collaborating with the teaching team on school projects, events planning, curriculum development;
* Providing consistent communication with parents and other community members;
* Contributing to collaborative and respectful group living experience.

Highlights: Job benefits include (but are also not limited to):
* The opportunity to participate in a true international development experience;
* The opportunity to live & work with Spanish speaking colleagues & community members;
* The opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience while learning more about yourself;
* The opportunity to foster long-lasting friendships with Honduran families & other members of the volunteer team;
* The opportunity to share your experience with friends and family at home.

Qualifications: During the rigorous application process, BECA considers previous teaching experience, Spanish fluency and previous travel experience in Latin America all pluses. However, we seek individuals who, above all else, exhibit a strong commitment to their own service learning and have the desire to learn, grow and immerse themselves in community life.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Salary / Pay: Accommodation and Food (provided at no expense to the volunteer). Professional Development is also offered, including an extensive 6-week teacher training course when the team first arrives. In addition to accommodation and shared internet access, BECA provides an ample food budget for the volunteers. Lunch is prepared at school for the volunteers on school days. Our volunteers share two homes (two people to each bedroom) close to the center of Cofradia and about a fifteen minute walk from the school. The house is situated in an elevated part of Cofradia and has a picturesque view of the Merendon mountains from the airy back terrace (as well as an internet connection - both much appreciated amenities in a hot Latin American pueblo) ! Most of the time there is running water and a modern flush toilet. Occasionally there is no actual running water. When this happens, we use the water that is collected outside the house in a large cement trough called a "pila." This water is used to flush the toilet, shower and wash dishes and clothes. Electricity is relatively reliable, but can go out without warning for several hours at a time - especially during the rainy season.

Experience Required: no

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

Participants Travel to Honduras Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

Bilingual Education for Central America's Mission Statement: BECA (Bilingual Education for Central America), is a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. BECA promotes cultural exchange and affordable bilingual education. Our volunteer driven bilingual school model creates an environment in which Central American students learn from dedicated volunteer teachers and the volunteers learn from the community in which they are immersed.

Year Founded: 2001