Peace Corps Ghana: Junior High School Math/Science Teacher Opportunity

Peace Corps Ghana is seeking committed individuals to serve as Junior High School Math/Science Teachers in rural communities across the country. This opportunity offers a transformative experience for volunteers to support academic achievement, promote literacy, and empower local students—particularly girls—through inclusive, community-based education.

About the Role

Volunteers in this role will co-teach math and science at the junior high level, collaborating with local educators and school leadership. They will integrate literacy instruction into core subjects, contribute to lesson planning and grading, and support students both inside and outside the classroom. Volunteers are also encouraged to lead or support initiatives that promote girls’ education and empowerment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach an average of 24 class periods per week (each lasting 45 minutes)

• Develop lesson plans and assess student progress

• Integrate English literacy into STEM subjects

• Collaborate with local teachers and community members

• Report on project outcomes and collect impact data

• Support girls’ empowerment initiatives through education

Class sizes typically range from 20 to 45+ students, with learners aged between 12 and 23. Volunteers are expected to adjust to a range of classroom settings and student abilities.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Qualifications (One or more of the following):

• Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a math concentration

• Bachelor’s degree in any field with secondary certification in math

• Bachelor’s degree in Math, Engineering, or Computer Science

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 15 semester hours in math

Preferred Experience:

• Familiarity with subjects such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics

• Ability to teach multiple science disciplines (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics)

• Experience in tutoring, lesson planning, or education project implementation

Language and Cultural Training

No prior language skills are required. Peace Corps Ghana provides language training during the mandatory 11-week Pre-Service Training (PST). Volunteers are expected to attain conversational proficiency in a local Ghanaian language to support integration and communication.

Living Conditions

Volunteers live in modest rural accommodations provided by host communities. This typically includes:

• A private room in a family compound or self-contained housing

• Shared or private sanitation facilities

• Access to water through boreholes or wells

• Cookstove and safe cooking environment provided

While conditions vary by site, volunteers are expected to adapt to local standards and live at a level similar to those they serve. Most Volunteers walk or bike around their communities and rely on public transport for longer travel.

Training and Support

Peace Corps provides intensive pre-service training in education methodology, language, health, and cultural adaptation. Ongoing support is available throughout the service term, including technical mentoring, reporting tools, and safety briefings.

Volunteers receive guidance in promoting gender equality in education and are expected to participate in relevant community-based projects.

Couples and Diversity

Peace Corps Ghana accepts couples serving in different but complementary programs. Both partners must qualify and apply for eligible roles. The Peace Corps also strives to ensure a safe and respectful service environment for volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including same-sex couples where legally and culturally feasible.

How to Apply

Visit the official Peace Corps application portal to submit your application and learn more about the role, preparation process, and timeline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

For additional information on the Peace Corps experience in Ghana, including health, safety, and site conditions, visit the Peace Corps Ghana country page.

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.