Renaissance Professor

  Nicaragua

Rural Areas

Term: Academic Year 
Length of Position: 1 year
Durations of Program: 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: February 2010/Dec 2010

Description: We are seeking a professional high school or University professor with the ability to motivate students by sharing your love of learning and inspire students to do their best; to enable them to reach their true potential by improving the educational system in Solentiname. One of the ongoing challenges of education, especially basic education is providing challenges for gifted and talented students.

Primary Responsibilities
1. Director of Capacitacion para Universidad (CPU)
- Responsible for CPU
- Integrate CPU into regular Colegio by team teaching in the colegio and working closely with the Director of the Colegio.
- Organize and coordinate virtual classroom and on-line courses.

2. Renaissance Professor
- Special tutoring for other students needing additional help in both remedial tutoring and Advanced Placement courses of CPU.
- Student Guidance Councilor to help students develop good study habits and research skills, as well as improve their organizational and writing skills

3. Community
- Assist the newly formed Education Committee and the Director of Colegio in innovative, progressive ways to transform the presently rudimentary educational system in Solentiname.
- To assist in the training of Professors and primary teachers in Solentiname to help them become better teachers
- Help synchronize ESL teachers and Leer Solentiname assistants in in the community and school programs.
- Non technical coordinator - the Lights and Computer project to better integrate computers into the educational system.

Highlights: The Sobresaliente Program is the foundation of the Alianza, and CPU is the core of Sobresaliente. The Mission of Sobresaliente is to expand the educational opportunities for gifted and motivated (sobresalientes) secondary students to enable them to be better prepared for post secondary education, and to reach their true potential. It is an innovative "school in a school" complementing the rudimentary government primary and secondary school system. Our approach includes a focus on developing critical thinking and creative learning. The goal is to use these new tools to get the students thinking for themselves, as well as developing a lifelong love of learning and problem solving.
      
The Mission of the Capcitación para Universidad is to supplement regular Colegio for motivated students by providing voluntary, advanced placement courses and remedial tutoring as necessary, that challenges and empowers students. The Challenge is that the Colegio of Solentiname is a distancia school in Nicaragua that meets only Saturday and Sunday every other weekend. This system was developed for schools in rural areas where students needed to work to support the subsistence existence of their families. In the past, students who were motivated to go to University, were either unable to pass the entrance exams, or pass the first semester of mandatory courses. It is not the fault of these students that the Distancia system has failed them. With your help we intend to help students overcome these barriers.

The Archipelago of Solentiname has a rich past and reputation not only for its primitivist art colony and its semi-revolutionary activities, but also for its unique nature, the hospitality of the people and the peaceful style of living. A small group of 36 islands, situated in the fresh waters of the great Lake of Nicaragua, Solentiname does not allow any motor vehicles. In fact, only paths exist--no roads. Ernesto Cardenal, famous poet, and the community of painters and wood carvers are major attractions for visitors. For others, the secret of the areas attraction may simply be its serenity.

Qualifications:
1. Skills Required:
- Minimum 2 years teaching or administrative experience to implement progressive and innovative learning concepts in the educational system in Solentiname. .
- Fluent in Spanish with the ability to teach clearly and motivate students in Spanish
-Well rounded professor that will team teach your concentration in regular colegio so that CPU is integrated into regular Colegio, as well as tutor both sobresaliente students and others needing special assistance
- Incorporate community learning and literacy concepts into the educational system.
- Able to tutor all subjects as necessary

2. Ideal Candidate will be:
- Bilingual in Spanish and English to manage our ESL program.
- Computer savvy and comfortable on the internet working with visiting professors in virtual classrooms, and assist in our computer instruction program as time allows.
- Ability to teach/tutor mathematics since in recent years, the mathematics proficiency has been very low due to substandard mathematics professors.

3. Salary and time frame:
- Salary is the normal pay for Nicaraguan professors of USD 250 monthly as well as the stipend for housing is available or long term volunteers who are willing to make a long term commitment for the school year. In addition a transportation bonus of USD 750.00 will be available at the end of the first contract year.
- We are looking to fill this position immediately or as soon as possible since the Nicaragua school year starts in February.

4. Application process:
Please send your resume and a detailed letter of interest that includes professional educational background, your thoughts on community education especially in underdeveloped systems as well as your availability. Please pose any questions or specific requirements you might have at that time. We view the application process as 'organic' that builds as more information is exchanged.

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Arts

Experience Required: yes

minimum 2 years teaching or administrative experience to implement progressive and innovative learning concepts in the educational system in Solentiname.

Typical Volunteer: Alianza de Solentiname coordinates four different volunteer and intern programs for students, professionals, and retirees of all skill levels. 1.Short term volunteerships generally are from 2 weeks to six months to support existing projects. Volunteers begin their experience getting oriented to their new surrounding and are soon assigned to service projects that match their interests and skills. 2.Internships are a more formal arrangement and generally last between 9 and 52 weeks and interns generally have a specific job responsiblity and goals. 3.ProCorps are generally between 1 week up to 1 year. ProCorps is designed for professionals and retirees with professional experience and able to provide technical expertise. 4.We organize Study Tours of 2 to 4 weeks for professors and students that include in-country logistics and local resources to support development-related courses and study-tours abroad. You do not have to speak fluent Spanish, but if you do it will ensure that you will be able to contribute fully to the community. Typically Solentiname Solidarity Volunteers and Interns are dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic about their work, flexible about the kind of work that they do and able to adapt quickly to a new environment and new people. There are a variety of living arrangements available to volunteers. Most are basic rooms generally with a bathroom, but no kitchen, however meals are available. Room and board will average USD 300 monthly, however you may want to supplement your diet with bottled water and fruits and vegetables which are considered a luxury. Homestays are able to be arranged before you arrive and the community has had a chance to meet you. There are private lodges and hospadage available in Solentiname, where meals are served. These are more tourist oriented and more comfortable, but more expensive. Medical: It is recommended that all volunteers will come with standard vaccinations and medical coverage. We may be able to help volunteers find medical insurance; however it is not provided or included. Solentiname is over two hours to nearest clinic and basic hospital in San Carlos. Major medical problems must go into Managua. We recommend that volunteers bring all prescriptions and a small first aid kit.

Age Range: 18-75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Solentiname Solidarity Alliance's Mission Statement: The mission of Solentiname Solidarity Alliance is to be in a collaborative partnership with the people of Solentiname and other organizations to promote social and economic justice through alternative models of sustainable community development and activism. We affirm a shared membership in one human family and commit ourselves to work for justice and peace, honoring the dignity and strengths of each person guided by the principle of consensual decision making. The vision is different than the conventional charity model. Our goal is to work for independence, self- sufficiency and sustainability within our community, steering away from continued dependence on external donations and outside assistance.

Year Founded: 2004