So I realized that I never actually posted what I will be DOING in Uganda.... I keep getting this question when I tell people I'm MOVING TO UGANDA IN NOVEMBER (not that I'm excited), so here it is!
"The primary literacy project focuses on three goals; improving teaching, increasing pupils' success, and improving the school community. Thus, as part of the primary literacy project, volunteers choose to serve as either a teacher trainer or a literacy specialist. While both roles utilize approaches to capacity building that include model and co-teaching, assessment, and engagement in national literacy initiatives, such as National Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Day, the my language spelling bee, or literacy month, there are distinct differences int he day to day job activities. Children with learning disabilities are often undiagnosed, and learners with physical challenges, visual impairments, and who are deaf or hard of hearing, are typically main streamed. While we support the inclusion model for these learners, they are often included in the general classroom without modifications and accommodations that help them access learning.
"Teacher Trainers are placed at Primary Teachers' Colleges (PTCs). They deliver conten based instruction in math, science, English, and/or ICT [I don't know what this is right now.] to pre-service teachers, in addition to training future teachers on the best practices for teaching literacy, instructional approaches, innovative instructional materials, engagement strategies, resource room or library development, positive behavior systems, and alternative discipline. [Caning is still very common in Uganda.] Teacher Trainers also provide instructional coaching for pre-service trainers during their school practice, small group remedial classes, and collaborate departmentally with faculty.
"Literacy Specialist are placed at Primary schools. They work with in-service teachers to build their capacity for literacy instruction by leading professional development on teaching phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Additionally, they collaborate with head teachers to create positive school culture and staff climate, implement resource room or library development, and design positive behavior systems and alternative discipline. Literacy Specialists also implement school-based reading intervention programs for early readers. Literacy specialists serving in primary schools implement reading intervention programs to help support pupils who are reading below grade level through various approaches including multiple modalities and small group or one-to-one instruction that support struggling readers.
"There are many opportunities for collaboration across the PTCs and the primary schools. The education programming staff will also provide support and guidance for Trainees as they determine which role is the best fit.
"One of the exciting parts of your professional work is to participate in the Peace Corps monitoring, reporting, and evaluation (MRE) process. [Oh I'm sure it's thrilling....] All Volunteers receive training on the MRE tracking and reporting system. Each Volunteer regularly reports MRE information, and this information is summarized to describe overall progress of the project. This important MRE system helps Peace Corps improve its programming and report its accomplishments. The opportunity to learn and practice professional monitoring and evaluation skills are some of the many valued benefits of Peace Corps service."
So there you have it. My official job description. Basically, I'll be working with the education system in Uganda, whether teaching future teachers or working with kids. From what I've read on other volunteers' blogs, I should get to choose between these two positions, though I have become nice and comfortable with the idea of being a Teacher Trainer like my invitation stated. Either way, I'll be working in Uganda!!
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