Special Needs Educator

North Macedonia is seeking compassionate, adaptable educators ready to support learning of children with special needs.

In North Macedonia, many communities face ongoing challenges in providing high‑quality services for students with special needs. Schools operate with limited materials, few trained staff due to a lack of professional development opportunities, and evolving national standards that require new teaching approaches. Although special education is a national priority, reforms take time to reach every classroom. These gaps create an urgent need for outside support to help teachers gain practical skills and confidence in meeting each student’s needs.

As a Special Education Teacher, you will collaborate with school staff to design individualized learning plans, introduce creative strategies, and create learning environments where all students feel supported. Your efforts will play a vital role in strengthening the country’s special education and prepare schools to deliver individualized support for every child.

Bachelor's degree in special education.
OR
Bachelor's degree in any discipline with state certification in special education (general or with an emphasis in working with people with visual or hearing disabilities).
OR
Bachelor's degree in education with experience working with people with disabilities, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological disabilities.
OR
Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 1 year full-time experience working in classrooms or residential homes with people with disabilities, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological disabilities.

Volunteers will live in a small village, town, or a larger city. Volunteers will live with a host family during training before moving to live with a new host family or in modest independent housing. Volunteers should expect to participate in host family events and daily chores, and respect the rules of each household, especially being frugal in the use of utilities because of the high cost of electricity.

Gain valuable experience implementing behavior management strategies and specialized teaching techniques in a new country.
Develop a proficiency in Macedonian and Albanian through daily interactions.
Make lasting connections with educators and community leaders while appreciating the country’s culture.

Support special education and mainstream teachers to strengthen teaching approaches.
Create or adapt educational resources and lesson plans.
Train school staff on lesson planning, behavior management, differentiated instruction, and classroom adaptations.
Coach staff on effective ways to encourage families to take an active role in the learning process.
Provide parental support through workshops and support groups.
Educate community members on ways to support individuals with special needs.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as supporting youth leadership clubs.

As a Special Needs Teacher, you will learn about the country’s education system, appropriate resource development, and effective methods for engaging students with special needs in the classroom. Peace Corps/North Macedonia will teach you Macedonian and/or Albanian to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You will also receive language resources and learn Turkish, Serbian, Roma, or Vlach based on your community placement.

After 11 weeks of training, you will move to a rural or an urban community where you will collaborate with a resource center or elementary school to assess the special education learning needs and develop long-term solutions based on the curricula.