Elementary School Spanish Literacy Teacher

Special benefits

• Extensive language, technical, and intercultural training
• Hands-on, valuable international work experience
• Travel to and from country, housing and monthly living allowance, and full coverage of medical and dental needs during service

• Competitive advantage for federal hiring and opportunities to save on graduate degrees and other education programs
• Monthly accrued Volunteer service award (readjustment allowance) totaling $10,800 before taxes, with option to access for ongoing financial obligations

Key dates

Apply by
January 15, 2027

Know by
April 1, 2027

Depart on
August 30, 2027

Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training

About the project

Transform reading into an exciting, confidence-building experience for the Dominican Republic's youngest learners.

Dominican students in grades K-6 consistently perform below national benchmarks in math, reading, and science. This is largely because many young learners face obstacles such as limited access to engaging books, few opportunities for interactive reading, and families who may need additional support and encouragement to become more involved in their children's education. Elementary schools are eager to strengthen foundational skills in these subjects to help students build confidence and achieve long-term academic success.

As an Elementary School Spanish Literacy Teacher, you will collaborate with educators to create warm, supportive learning spaces where children feel excited to explore stories, practice new skills, and grow as confident readers. Alongside teachers and school staff, you will bring creative, child-friendly literacy activities into classrooms, provide individualized support, and develop simple learning materials that make reading fun and accessible. You will also help spark family engagement by inspiring caregivers to take an active role in their children's reading journey.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Dominican Republic project page .

Requirements

Behavioral competencies

These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:

1. Motivation for and commitment to service
2. Adaptability and open-mindedness
3. Problem solving and resourcefulness
4. Behavioral maturity and professionalism

Education/experience

Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:

Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
OR
Bachelor's degree in any field.
OR
High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).
Spanish language

Qualified candidates will meet one of the following criteria:

1. High school: Completed 4 years of Spanish coursework within the past 8 years
2. College: Completed Spanish Elementary II (e.g., 102, 1002) in the semester system (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Score 50-62 on the Spanish exam in the past 6 years
4. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL): Score of Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish within the past 6 years
5. Native Spanish speaker