posted on January 1, 2023
aXcess: English Teacher (ESL) in Africa
Be part of an innovative team that provides gospel access to unengaged communities. You will be responsible for building relationships in our community, and your value as an English teacher will earn you a meaningful presence.
Position Type
- International worker (IW)–aXcess–Vocational Track
- Community center, community development (urban), education, ESL/TESOL
- Creative-access country (CAC)
- Single or couple
Responsibilities:
- Seek out English teaching opportunities in our community
- Lead English language programs
- Demonstrate Christian business principles
- Build relationships with students and the community
- Establish your presence legally in the country
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of Alliance Polity course
- Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 60
- Training and certification in teaching English
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience teaching
- Master’s degree
Biblical Characteristics Desired:
- Kingdom-minded
- Biblically grounded
- Spirit-dependent
- Competently skilled
- Self-aware
- Self-disciplined
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer/fall of 2024. Following appointment, and once fundraising goals and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program, and pre-field orientation prior to deploying.
General Information:
Working in this CAC country requires a skill that is of value to the local culture. English is widely spoken throughout the country and is seen as a language of opportunity, making it greatly desired. There are many Western amenities available in the country. There is also much spiritual darkness as the country continually faces political and economic instability. Hope is desperately needed to be shared here.
Language Expectations:
Language is an essential part of ministry. Those who do not know the language will attend a language study program. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.
The main language is a local dialect. International workers in this language group typically receive two years of intensive language and cultural study. French language study or studying the local language (or both) will be based on several factors, including ministry assignment, and will be determined in conversations with the team.
Health Considerations:
Private clinics offer most services that are used in America at a reasonable cost. Malaria is NOT an issue. Most medications found in the U.S. can be obtained at the local pharmacy. While medical services are good, those with special health considerations should contact IPO before applying.
Expectations for Spouse:
Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
There are several local and international schools available for education in French or the local language as well as a few English or bilingual options in some areas.
Compensation Package
The successful applicant(s) will receive a full compensation package with the expectation that, once appointed, efforts will be made to raise a portion of support costs through the applicant’s network of friends, family, local church, or other resources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.
Whole-Life Health
As part of an evangelical denomination, we are committed to biblical holism, which is modeled and reflected through our work. Due to this commitment, part of the required qualifications includes optimal emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These will be assessed during the application process.
Importance Clarification
Applicant(s) should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.
Questions?
Please email the IPO office at [email protected].