Co-teach Students in STEAM Pathways Coding Camp - Volunteer Position - Onsite in //h2[text()="Country"]/following-sibling::p[1]//text()[normalize-space()]

Start and End Dates

• Start date: August 31, 2026
• End date: March 8, 2027
• Duration: 27 weeks

Eligibility

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Activity/Project Background

Itz'at STEAM Academy is a bold initiative of Belize's Ministry of Education which was created in partnership with MIT and the Inter-American Development Bank. Launched in September 2023, the Academy offers a transformative secondary school experience rooted in innovation, equity, and global relevance. It serves students aged 12--16 from across Belize, cultivating diverse talent through project-based learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and a culture of curiosity and care.

To expand its digital and creative offerings, Itz'at is seeking one VSPP to co-teach coding, computer science, digital art, animation, and game design. This remote engagement will support students in developing 21st-century skills and creative confidence, while also helping the academy build local capacity in emerging tech fields. The VSPP will collaborate with Itz'at educators and students in real time, offering mentorship, expertise, and dynamic co-teaching experiences.

While Itz'at has previously partnered with the Peace Corps, the VSPP role is distinct---designed for virtual collaboration and specialized instruction. The academy is looking for a U.S. citizen with a passion for education, creativity, and global impact to help shape the next generation of Belizean innovators.

Engagement and Tasks

The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their host country partners:

• Collaborate with educators to align sessions with student needs and learning objectives.
• Co-conduct weekly 2-hour seminar sessions focusing on coding.
• Provide guidance and insights into the industry's best practices, emerging technologies, and creative applications.
• Engage students in interactive projects and coding exercises to enhance their practical skills.
• Develop and deliver four presentations at school-wide events.
• Offer mentorship and career advice for those interested in pursuing technology and design fields. These will be woven into group sessions.

VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5--15 hours per week. This engagement is estimated to be 5 hours per week (2-hour seminar sessions; 3 hours planning and conferencing with teachers).

Online collaboration will generally occur between 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. Belize time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.

The host country counterpart will have access to Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, email, 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

The Peace Corps mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fulfilling three goals:

1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Goal 1 will be achieved through the VSPP's engagement and completion of the above tasks. The counterpart and VSPP may also choose to identify an activity that aligns with Goal 2. Additionally, the VSPP may identify a Goal 3 activity to implement during their engagement.

Essential Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, STEM education, or a related field.

Experience

• 2 years teaching, mentoring, or facilitating learning in virtual settings.
• Practical experience in coding.
• Proficiency in Python and/or Java programming languages, coding techniques, and technology trends to provide relevant instruction.
• Designing and planning lessons.

Intercultural Skills and Motivation

Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually.