Special Education Expert

Project Description

Panama's leading teacher training institution is looking for experienced educators with a passion for differentiated instruction to support the launch of a dedicated teacher training space.

Across Panama, schools are striving to make learning more equitable, yet many teacher training programs lack the specialized tools, adaptive materials, and hands-on environments needed to adequately prepare future educators. La Escuela Normal has the vision and commitment to transform how educators are trained. The school has completed the initial stages of creating their first innovative "laboratory" space where future teachers can learn, practice, and model education practices to engage students with specific needs. Envisioned as a practical training environment aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the laboratory will offer adapted materials, accessible technologies, and multisensory resources to model teaching best practices, especially in English language instruction.

As a Special Education Expert, you will support Escuela Normal to transform the newly established laboratory space into an innovative training hub that equips teachers-in-training with practical skills to teach English to all learners. In the short term, Escuela Normal students and university interns will strengthen their skills in applying adapted learning materials and methodologies and accessible technologies for English instruction. In the long term, your efforts will support the establishment of the province's first permanent teaching laboratory and create a replicable national model that advances Panama's broader goals for special education.

Required Skills

Bachelor's or master's degree in education or a related field.
AND
Two or more years of special education experience, preferably in one of the following areas: American Sign Language (ASL), speech therapy, occupational therapy, or working with visually-impaired.

Living Conditions

The Volunteer will live in the city of Santiago, which has a population of approximately 100,000 and is the capital of Veraguas province. The Volunteer can expect to live in independent housing throughout their service with regular cellular service, electricity, and water (although the reliability of these utilities may vary). Houses often feature concrete walls, tile floors, and a corrugated tin roof. Public transportation is available to get around the city.

Activities

Identify special education needs for English-language instruction.

Design curriculum strategies and adaptive learning materials to support every learner.

Develop multisensory and accessible educational resources.

Develop strategies to integrate accessible technologies into language learning.

Facilitate trainings and practice sessions on Universal Design for Learning, inclusive methodologies, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Support university partners during practicum activities in the Inclusive Classroom

Document to develop successful practices and co-create the institution's final methodological guide.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community's interests and priorities, such as providing English tutoring and facilitating summer camps.

Training

After a 2-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, intercultural communication, Peace Corps' approach to development, and Panamanian work culture, you will move to an urban community where you will collaborate with staff at la Escuela Normal to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

Peace Corps/Panama will equip you with Spanish language resources, and you may work with a local tutor who can help you improve your language skills.

Job Highlights

Hone your skills by applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to design specialized curricula and adaptive materials.

Grow as a trainer by working closely with motivated educators and university partners.

Foster meaningful intercultural exchanges while helping to establish a national model for teacher-training systems.