Literacy Education Trainer

Schools across Ghana are seeking experienced literacy specialists to provide technical support to help students build the reading skills needed to succeed.

For years, public school students—especially those in Ghana’s rural regions—have underperformed in English literacy. An assessment conducted by the Ghana Education Service (GES), the policy implementation body for the country’s pre-tertiary education, found that that only 2% of grade 2 students could read with fluency and comprehension. Public school closures during the pandemic widened literacy gaps, and a limited access to trained literacy teachers in rural areas has made it even more difficult for schools to close these gaps. Consequently, most students are unable to read at grade level. The GES is prioritizing literacy education support in the public basic school system.

As a Literacy Specialist, you will be placed at a district education office within an urban or peri-urban community. Alongside district-level officials and teachers, you will provide technical guidance, model effective literacy instruction, and design literacy activities to strengthen reading skills. Your efforts will contribute to GES’ goal of supporting grade 3–6 students to confidently read at or above grade level within the next four years.

Bachelor's degree in literacy education or relevant field.
AND
Three or more years of experience in literacy education.

Volunteers will live in modest accommodations either in an independent house or in a private bedroom within a host family’s compound house. Volunteers are expected to live in the country’s Eastern region. Cell phone reception is available at most sites, although reliability and internet speed may vary.

Gain a deeper understanding of Ghana’s education system and literacy issues in different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.

Develop your intercultural communication skills and adaptability—key skills for working in classrooms with students from different backgrounds.

Foster American-Ghanian cultural exchanges with new friends and colleagues, strengthening ties between the two countries.

Train teachers on the design and use of literacy achievement diagnostic screening tools.

Provide training on strategies for improving early grade reading, supporting various learning styles, and creating student-friendly schools.

Train teachers on the creation, identification, and use of simple literacy teaching aids sourced locally.

Deliver school-based coaching in literacy instruction to grades 3–6 teachers through weekly school visits.

Train teachers on the use of research-based classroom practices targeting all students.

Provide ongoing professional development support to grades 3–6 teachers through workshops.

Design an accountability framework to improve school attendance among students and teachers.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting the creation or expansion of a school library or facilitating a community book club.

After a two-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban or a peri-urban community where you will collaborate with district education office staff and educators to assess the literacy education needs and develop a work plan aligned with evidence-based reading research.

Peace Corps/Ghana will equip you with Twi language resources and you may work with a tutor who can help you build basic language skills to connect with the community.