English language teachers

In Ethiopia, primary education enrolment is increasing, and VSO volunteers are working to improve the quality and accessibility of education, so that children can fulfil their potential. With Ethiopia ambitious to educate its children for a brighter future, English language skills are key to claiming a greater share in global economic opportunities. However, teachers often lack the facility with English to be able to effectively teach their pupils.

The English Language Improvement Programme was set up in 2002 to improve the English proficiency of teacher educators and teachers through short-term, in-service training. Although it has achieved encouraging results so far, there is a need to provide continuous support to maximise learning outcomes. The plan is to set up English language ‘Improvement Centres’ at universities which train teachers, to deliver continuous professional development. You’ll work to support an improvement centre within a teacher education institute, developing the English language skills of Ethiopian colleagues, teachers and students.

What does the role involve?

• Carrying out learning needs assessments and providing methodology training in required areas
• Developing materials for each phase of English Language Improvement Programme training for the various beneficiary groups
• Providing in-service English language improvement training focusing on both proficiency and methodology to trainee students and academic staff in the college; provide in-service English language improvement training to teachers in local primary schools as needed
• Running tutorial programme for female trainee; raising the standard of teaching and improving the confidence of female students in spoken English
• Managing a self-assessment centre for students and academic staff to come in and study English; promoting the centre to maximise its use
• Working with fellow teachers and students to organise an English Day at the college aimed at promoting the use of English
• Supporting the English Department in their daily work for example helping them to create resources, organising methodology workshops

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You will need Bachelors degree in English, Literature, or Modern Foreign Languages, with a PGCE or qualification in TEFL or related field. You will also need a minimum of three years experience in a formal education setting or in teaching English as a foreign language.

And the rest...

We’ll ask you to commit to 24 months to make a sustainable contribution to improving the English language skills of Ethiopian teachers. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return home, we'll help you to resettle, and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.

In Ethiopia, primary education enrolment is increasing, and VSO volunteers are working to improve the quality and accessibility of education, so that children can fulfil their potential. With Ethiopia ambitious to educate its children for a brighter future, English language skills are key to claiming a greater share in global economic opportunities. However, teachers often lack the facility with English to be able to effectively teach their pupils.

The English Language Improvement Programme was set up in 2002 to improve the English proficiency of teacher educators and teachers through short-term, in-service training. Although it has achieved encouraging results so far, there is a need to provide continuous support to maximise learning outcomes. The plan is to set up English language ‘Improvement Centres’ at universities which train teachers, to deliver continuous professional development. You’ll work to support an improvement centre within a teacher education institute, developing the English language skills of Ethiopian colleagues, teachers and students.

What does the role involve?

• Carrying out learning needs assessments, to shape a programme of English Language teaching for academic, support staff and students
• Providing English for specific purposes training for academic and support staff and students
• Training colleagues in appropriate methodologies like developing teaching materials, using visual aids
• Setting up the resource centre and supporting an Ethiopian colleague to manage the centre
• Supporting initiatives focused on continuous professional development of teacher educators across the Ethiopian education system
• Providing management and advisory support to the English language improvement programme within the teacher education institute, and the surrounding schools.
• Monitoring and evaluating the English language improvement programme, and sharing learning within the teacher education institute and with national stakeholders

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You’ll need a Masters-level degree in English, Literature, or Modern Foreign Languages, as this is the academic level stipulated by the Ethiopian government for teaching roles within a university. A PGCE or qualification in TEFL or related field is an essential foundation for this role. To confidently work at this strategic level, you’ll need at least 5 years experience either in a formal education setting, or of teaching English as a foreign language.

And the rest...

We’ll ask you to commit to 24 months to make a sustainable contribution to improving the English language skills of Ethiopian teachers. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return home, we'll help you to resettle, and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.

In Ethiopia, primary education enrolment is increasing, and VSO volunteers are working to improve the quality and accessibility of education, so that children can fulfil their potential. With Ethiopia ambitious to educate its children for a brighter future, English language skills are key to claiming a greater share in global economic opportunities. However, teachers often lack the facility with English to be able to effectively teach their pupils.

The English Language Improvement Programme was set up in 2002 to improve the English proficiency of teacher educators and teachers through short-term, in-service training. Although it has achieved encouraging results so far, there is a need to provide continuous support to maximise learning outcomes. The plan is to set up English language ‘Improvement Centres’ at universities which train teachers, to deliver continuous professional development. You’ll work to support an improvement centre within a teacher education institute, developing the English language skills of Ethiopian colleagues, teachers and students.

What does the role involve?

Your primary focus will be to support the development of English language-focussed CPD in the region and develop the skills of Ethiopian colleagues, teachers and students and encourage them to develop their skills.

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You will need a Degree in English with a PGCE or a TEFL teaching qualification. You will also need a Minimum of 3 years teaching experience in an active learning and student centred teaching environment at primary, secondary, further or higher education level.

And the rest...

We’ll ask you to commit to 24 months to make a sustainable contribution to improving the English language skills of Ethiopian teachers. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return home, we'll help you to resettle, and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.