STEM Educator

Apply your experience to shape Mexico’s next generation of technicians and engineers.

Mexico’s polytechnic and technological universities identified a need to strengthen instruction for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to better equip students with the practical skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. These higher education institutions—similar to community colleges in the U.S.—focus on preparing technicians and engineers for fast-growing sectors, such as manufacturing, aerospace, information technology (IT), renewable energy, and advanced industry. Many institutions are expanding their English instruction, resulting in the need to strengthen teaching methods, lab practices, and industry-relevant competencies.

As the STEM Educator, you will collaborate with local educators to address gaps in active learning, technical skills, workplace communication, and job readiness. Alongside university staff, you will teach STEM courses in English, guide students through hands-on problem-solving activities, and strengthen both the curricula and practical learning modules. Together, you will reinforce lab safety and operational routines, support employability skills, and align programs with industry needs. Your service will enhance students’ readiness for technical employment and contribute to the long-term capacity of Mexico’s polytechnic education system.

Bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), or in a related field (e.g., education) with a teaching certification.
AND
Two or more years of teaching experience in one of the following areas: math, chemistry, physics, computer science, biology, earth sciences, or art.

The Volunteer will reside in an urban or semiurban community in the Yucatán Peninsula with access to basic services, such as electricity, mobile coverage, and reliable transportation. Commutes may be up to an hour each way with public transportation available, including buses and minibuses. Independent housing generally consists of a modest one-bedroom apartment or an equipped loft adjacent to a family residence. Many students and community members are of Mayan origin and may speak Maya as a first language and Spanish as a second.

Build classroom experience teaching courses in English and supporting competency-based technical education.
Strengthen Spanish language and intercultural communication skills through daily engagement in academic and community settings.
Develop marketable abilities in curriculum design, workforce-readiness training, and collaborative instruction alongside university faculty.

Teach STEM and technical courses in English using practical, applied‑learning approaches.
Guide students through hands‑on exercises, troubleshooting, and real‑world scenarios.
Support students in developing employability skills, such as teamwork and technical presentations.
Collaborate with faculty to strengthen competency‑based curricula and industry‑aligned modules.
Facilitate short workshops on workplace communication and job‑readiness skills.
Participate in faculty trainings and contribute to institutional capacity‑building initiatives.

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

After a 3-week orientation on topics such as health and safety, you will move to an urban or semi-urban community where you will collaborate with a polytechnic or technological university to assess the local needs and develop a work plan in line with their established goals.

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