High School Curriculum Development Specialist

We are seeking experienced and dedicated Curriculum Consultants to support the development of curriculum maps, resource banks, teaching activities, and teacher training. In addition to their high school diplomas, students will have the opportunity to receive certifications in courses such as: technology, leadership and community development, and finance. The ideal candidate will work closely with our leadership and educational teams and be committed to learning about the indigenous Ixil community and context of Chajul.

The main goal will be the creation of a comprehensive and culturally relevant curriculum aligned with the CNB (Guatemala National Base Curriculum; curriculum frameworks here), when applicable, the Common Core, and based on the principles of experiential education. This role requires a focus on preparation for higher education, gender equity, economic security, and community leadership, with strong integrations of technology and finance. For more information about our goals and competencies, see here.

Colegio Horizontes has a wide network of partners, some of whom have provided us with educational resources. The consultancy will require reviewing these resources and the basic cycle curriculum maps to guide the construction process. Strong collaboration with our partners, content coaches, leadership team, and course educators will be expected.

Joining Limitless Horizons Ixil offers an exceptional opportunity for personal and professional growth. Our passionate team members enjoy significant responsibility and independence, and they are dedicated to providing the best education to one of Guatemala's most isolated indigenous communities. This multifaceted role in our small NGO, with a 20-year record of excellence in community development, is perfect for the right individual. Led by a committed local indigenous staff, predominantly women, the work is challenging, exhilarating, and potentially the most rewarding endeavor you will ever undertake.

Priority Courses:

• Art (consultants could focus on one module or multiple depending on experience: digital art and graphic design, theater, photography and digital storytelling, art history and movements, etc)
• Financial literacy
• Philosophy
• Technology

Organizational Overview: Limitless Horizons Ixil is a non-religious, non-partisan organization with legal status in Guatemala and 501(c)(3) status in the United States. Our mission is to create opportunities for indigenous youth, women, and families in Chajul, Guatemala, to develop the academic and professional skills necessary to effect change in their lives and community.

In 2022, our dream became a reality with the opening of Colegio Horizontes, our revolutionary middle school reshaping rural Guatemalan education. Two-thirds of our students are young indigenous women, thriving and leading a new era of female empowerment. By 2024, Colegio Horizontes reached full capacity with 72 students in grades 7-9, eager to continue their studies.

Our success has fueled our commitment to launch a high school, set to open in January 2025, we will serve 50 more students each year. This new school will prepare them for diverse careers and empower them to become civic leaders and advocates for change. We will prioritize hiring and training Maya Ixil women as teachers, creating a safe and empowering academic environment tailored for girls.

One strategic priority is building infrastructure for students to pursue STEM careers and apply their expertise to local challenges in agriculture, environmental science, healthcare, and more. This is where you come in! Join us in this exciting journey to transform education and empower the next generation of leaders.

Responsibilities

1 - Resource Selection:

• Research and recommend textbooks, digital resources, and/or other educational materials that align with curriculum objectives, considering the existing middle school curriculum, resources identified by the leadership team, and resources from partner institutions.
• Hold meetings and provide follow-up communication with other schools and institutions to collect materials and resources that can be used in curriculum construction.
• Evaluate and select educational tools that support interactive and practical learning experiences that develop critical thinking skills.

2 - Curriculum Development:

• Design and develop curriculum maps and detailed curricula based on Guatemala's CNB.
• Collaborate with our content coaches and educators to better understand the context and needs.
• Integrate the school's goals for higher education, gender equity, economic security, and community leadership into the curriculum.
• Create a Google Drive folder with resources that can be used according to the curriculum map.
• Include materials for interactive activities whenever possible.
• Ensure that the curriculum effectively incorporates education in technology and finance where applicable.

3 - Teacher Collaboration and Training:

• Work jointly with local teachers in curriculum construction/creation to ensure it is contextualized for the rural environment and Chajul.
• Provide professional development and training for teachers on new curricula and resources.
• Provide personalized support sessions for teachers in curriculum implementation.
• Facilitate workshops and ongoing support to help teachers effectively implement the curriculum.

4 - Community and Cultural Integration:

• Incorporate cultural, social, and economic contexts into the curriculum.
• Engage with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the curriculum reflects and supports the community's needs and values.

5 - Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop tools and strategies for evaluating student progress and curriculum effectiveness.
• Use feedback from leaders and educators to continually refine and improve the curriculum.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Curriculum Development, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Proven experience in curriculum development and education in a rural or remote setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equity, economic security, and community leadership in education.
• Strong background in integrating technology and finance into educational curricula.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in Spanish (written and spoken).
• Preferred:
• Deep knowledge of Guatemala's CNB, Common Core, and other curriculum types and their implementation.
• Familiarity with local languages and cultural practices.
• Previous experience in teacher training and professional development.