Co-design and Deliver Inclusive Education Trainings for Teachers - Belize

Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must be a U.S. citizen.

Activity/project background

The Special Education Unit within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology in Belize is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for students with diverse needs across the country. The unit focuses on developing inclusive education policies, implementing specialized programs, and distributing resources to support physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of all students. Ongoing initiatives include teacher training, policy development, and school-based interventions aimed at improving access to quality education for students. The unit seeks support in enhancing its teacher training initiatives to improve inclusive education practices at early childhood, elementary, and secondary levels. This includes building capacity for developing individualized education plans (IEPs), utilizing differentiated instruction, and implementing assessment tools for students with diverse needs.

Engagement and tasks

• Co-design four teacher training modules focused on inclusive education strategies, including differentiated instruction, and assessment tools. Sessions will be held during the first four weeks, with 2-hour blocks weekly, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Belize time.
• Conduct two 90-minute professional development workshops per month, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6:00–7:30 p.m. Belize time, to train teachers and administrators on applying inclusive education practices in the classroom.
• Offer weekly virtual mentorship and support to teachers implementing inclusive strategies. Sessions will be held in 1-hour sessions every Tuesday evening, 6:00–7:00 p.m. Belize time, through Zoom or WhatsApp.
• Review progress with the Special Education Unit, gathering feedback and making necessary adjustments to the training content or delivery. Meetings will be held bi-weekly on Fridays from 2:00–3:00 p.m. Belize time via Zoom.

Specific times

Online collaboration will generally occur between 2:00–4:00 p.m. Belize time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

Host country counterpart

The host country counterpart will have access to Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp for regular communication and collaboration. Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0–18), two adults must be present.

Optional Additional Activities

• Goal 1: Achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks.
• Identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2.
• Identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, educational psychology, or related field.
• Experience: 3 years teaching special education or inclusive education settings.
• Conducting teacher training or professional development workshops.
• Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible; strong cross-cultural agility; high tolerance for ambiguity; able to work independently; resourceful; creative; genuinely motivated; and capable to serve virtually.