Primary teachers
In 2000, 164 countries committed to achieving Education for All by 2015. As access to education is improving, enrolment figures are rising fast, and developing communities now urgently need qualified teachers to deliver quality education.
We’re urgently looking for primary teachers to deliver ‘in service’ teacher training and to go overseas on placements as soon as possible. You’ll work with serving teachers in a cluster of primary schools, introducing them to more participatory, child centred methodology. You’ll be observing teachers and feeding back and also helping them to develop materials using local resources. You’ll work with teachers to improve education programmes by increasing the quality of education and teaching methods.
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 salary, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home count, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends.
Now is the best time to volunteer. The Government has made funds available for members of public service pension schemes, including teachers, to volunteer for up to two years with their pension paid. This new scheme will benefit you, your career and the UK education system.
You’ll be a qualified primary teacher with at least three years' experience. You could be working in countries like Thailand, Nepal, China and Ghana.
Example placements
Primary Teacher Trainer - Ghana
Within West Africa, Ghana is considered to be an ‘island of peace and stability’. Since 2000, the country has experienced a sustained period of economic stability and has made steady progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. In addition to having one of the fastest poverty reduction rates in Africa, Primary School enrolment has risen substantially, but there is still a great deal of work to be done! As a Primary Teacher Trainer working in a cluster of schools in the Bongo district, you’ll develop and run an in-service teacher training programme for student teachers and promote child-centred learning methodologies.
What does the role involve?
- Developing and implementing a in-service teacher training programme
- Supporting the professional development of teachers through team teaching, lesson observation and feedback
- Working with trainee teachers to develop effective teaching resources and materials
- Encouraging the use of child-centred learning methodologies in the classroom
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll be a qualified teacher with at least 3-5 years’ experience. You’ll have strong student centred and active learning methodologies and experience in mentoring other teachers. With strong leadership and communication skills, you’ll be creative, flexible and able to work in close partnership with colleagues. As you’ll be working alongside other volunteers and Ethiopian colleagues, there will be plenty of professional and personal support.
Primary Methodology Trainer, Kwara College of Education - Nigeria
Despite its abundant natural resources, Nigeria remains one of the poorest countries in the world and an estimated 48.5 million people live on less than $1 a day. It is recognised by government that Education is a key factor in reducing poverty. As a Primary Teacher Trainer, you’ll make a direct contribution to improving the quality and relevance of Education that children in Nigeria receive. Based in Kwara teacher training college you’ll work with trainee and serving teachers to work towards a more practical and child-centred approach to training.
What does the role involve?
- Identifying the training needs of teachers through class observations, providing feedback and organising relevant training
- Working with staff at the college to develop teaching materials and assessments
- Working with a cluster of schools to improve community participation in school management
- Improving teaching practice for students in the college
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll have a degree level qualification as well as a teaching qualification such as a PGCE. You’ll need at least 3 years’ experience in classroom teaching and applying child centered, interactive teaching methodologies. Experience of managing a curriculum area or department and mentoring other teachers would be a great advantage. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential for this role as is a flexible and adaptable approach and a willingness to deal with the unexpected!
Primary School Teacher Trainer with the World Education Consortium - Thailand-Burma
VSO works on the Thai-Burma border with refugee and migrant Burmese people and Thai host communities. Its aim is to ensure all children and young people in the refugee camps along the border are able to gain an education, for example by supporting organisations working with young people with special educational needs. As a Primary Teacher Trainer working with the World Education Consortium, you’ll work to improve the quality of education for disadvantaged children by coaching a team of local teacher trainers in child-centred, inclusive teaching methodology.
What does the role involve?
- Developing and delivering pre-service and in-service training for a team of local teacher trainers
- Delivering model lessons, team teaching and participating in lesson planning sessions with teacher trainers
- Working closely with the teacher trainers to develop child-centred teaching methodology
- Supporting teacher trainers in devising inclusion strategies for the classroom
Skills, qualifications and experience required
You’ll be a qualified primary teacher with at least 5 year’s classroom experience. Teacher training/mentoring experience is essential, as is a good knowledge of child-centred approaches to inclusive education. Realistic expectations, the ability to adapt and work effectively cross culturally are crucial. Cultural sensitivity, patience and a sense of humour are also vital for all VSO volunteers! You’ll be open to learning the basics of both Thai and Burmese – VSO will provide training – as this will contribute enormously to the quality of your placement.
Additional guides
- The National Governors Association and VSO have joined forces to publish Retaining and Developing Staff: A Governors’ Guide to Education (pdf)
- VSO has also worked with the Welsh Assembly to produce a ‘Sabbatical for Teachers in Wales’ guide.
