TEACHING ENGLISH as a FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Our English teachers give our students opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have.

THE TEFL PROGRAM IS A UNIQUE WAY TO EXPERIENCE THE RICHNESS OF GUATEMALAN CULTURE WHILE TANGIBLY CONTRIBUTING TO ITS DEVELOPMENT.

When we give our students skills like English, we’re giving them access to new opportunities and places where they can be agents of change.

TEFL staff work to provide quality English education. Our bilingual high school programs allow students to attain an English proficiency that sets them up for success in a competitive job market. Several of our graduates now work in other organizations as English teachers, translators or hosts for North American groups.

It’s more than just a job. TEFL staff come to Guatemala to serve as short-term missionaries, partnering with our vision of Christ-centred education.

Applications welcome for 2025:

Please note that at this time, we can only accept applications from individuals who have status (such as citizenship or permanent residency) in Canada or the United States of America.

TEFL Primary Teachers

We are seeking English teachers for our JK-9 students. Students receive 2-3 classes a week, and teachers take part in the life of the school throughout their stay. A TEFL certification or teaching experience is required.

TEFL Secondary Teacher

Students at the secondary level are usually in a bilingual program, with daily English classes, working towards English language fluency. This teacher will work with students at the Grades 10-12 level. A TEFL certification or teaching experience is required.

TEFL Department Assistants

TEFL Assistants act as helpers to the TEFL teachers and may spend more time with younger or older students depending on both strengths and preferences. This position provides support to the department as a whole, enrichment for advanced students and extra support for struggling students. Applications for periods of at least four months will be considered. No teaching certification required.

TEFL Department Assistant & Homeschooling Teacher

While working within the TEFL department as a TEFL Department Assistant, this position also provides tutoring for bilingual children of our missionary staff within the regular schedule. A commitment throughout the school year is required to provide continuity to the tutoring program. No teaching certification is required.

What to Expect

TEFL staff join us in our mission of transforming Guatemala through Christ-centred education. More than a teaching position, TEFL staff are committing to ministry as a part of our staff, contributing and taking part in our calling. Rather than leading a North American mission, TEFL staff work in unity with Guatemalan staff who are ministering in their own culture. Our desire is that our cross-cultural staff would be one in Spirit, ministering together in unity and friendship.

Work Schedule

All TEFL positions are full-time. Staff report to work at 7:00 AM and finish at 2:30 PM. School runs Monday through Friday. Our TEFL personnel are active participants in the school day, including morning devotionals, supervision duties and extra-curricular all-staff activities.

Timeline

TEFL staff begin working at the start of January, including orientation, preparation and planning before the school year begins. If needed, teachers may arrive in November the year before to complete TEFL certification at a local, well-respected teacher-training school. (These TEFL courses are held in English.)

Teachers depart at the end of the school year in early November.

Food & Accommodation

Teachers live in housing provided by the ministry. All apartments are finished with bathrooms, kitchen and on-site laundry. Rooms are fully furnished. Teachers receive a stipend of $500 (Canadian) per month, which more than provides for living expenses.

Spanish Lessons

Spanish classes are offered through the duration of your stay. Local teachers provide one-on-one classes with a flexible schedule, up to 5 hours a week.

Church

La Gloria que Impacta (Glory Impact Ministries) is located in Jocotenango, and many of our school staff and students attend. Services take place Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Spanish to English translation is available.

Bethany

TEGAN

BETHANY

Chicago, IL

Woodstock, ON

In my year here, I saw how God worked powerfully—even through online videos—to reach his children with His powerful love!

English class is an opportunity to see a real miracle of God: it’s a miracle to understand and use a new language! In my year here, I saw how God worked powerfully—even through online videos—to reach his children with His powerful love!

How do you sum up two years in another country? It’s really easy to come and think, “I’m gonna be such a blessing." But the experience will change you as well. The only way it couldn’t is if you didn’t even have an open heart to what God was doing in you, let alone through you. So, you might come to make a difference for other people, but your own life will be changed. I have no doubt about that.

TEFL Teacher 2021

TEFL Teacher 2021-2022

Tegan

TEGAN

Chicago, IL

In my year here, I saw how God worked powerfully—even through online videos—to reach his children with His powerful love!

In my year here, I saw how God worked powerfully—even through online videos—to reach his children with His powerful love! I see the children at CCAF as a powerful new generation that will not compromise their love for Jesus, that will walk in the power of God and spread revival in Guatemala because they have experienced His powerful love and been taught by Him!

TEFL Teacher 2021

David

DAVID

BC, Canada

British Columbia, Canada

I can't think of a better place for someone to be fully immersed in the love, grace and presence of God.

Over a course of a few years, my identity as a son grew and expanded to places I couldn't imagine. I can't think of a better place for someone to be fully immersed in the love, grace and presence of God. From teaching English classes and marking papers, to devotionals in the mornings, the presence of the Lord dwells there. Jesus loves CCAF.

As much as stepping into a TEFL role here at CCAF challenged my ability and capacity professionally, I also was challenged as a child of God. What did it look like for me to truly love selflessly, bear with my students in love and put their needs over mine? Over a course of a few years, my identity as a son grew and expanded to places I couldn't imagine. I can't think of a better place for someone to be fully immersed in the love, grace and presence of God. From teaching English classes and marking papers, to devotionals in the mornings, the presence of the Lord dwells there. Jesus loves CCAF.

TEFL Teacher 2018-2020

Mikhaila

MIKHAILA

Ontario, Canada

The year goes by so incredibly fast and it's been one of the greatest gifts of my life.

Looking at who I am with the kids, I feel like it’s this whole different part of me that I never knew was there. They’re my greatest joy and my greatest passion. I definitely had a lot of times when I asked: ‘Why did you send me here, Lord?’ But looking back I see how it fits in this perfect plan of His. The year goes by so incredibly fast and it’s been one of the greatest gifts of my life.

It’s been the most incredible contrast, looking at who I was before and who I am with the kids. I feel like it’s this whole different part of me that I never knew was there. They’re my greatest joy and my greatest passion. To encourage people who are thinking about coming: when I came all I saw were the giants: the money you have to fundraise, leaving your family. I definitely had a lot of times when I asked: ‘Why did you send me here, Lord?’ But looking back I see how it fits in this perfect plan of His. The money, it doesn’t matter. It’s not your money, it’s the Lord’s money. Leaving your family? The year goes by so incredibly fast and it’s been one of the greatest gifts of my life.

TEFL Teacher 2017

Tony & Verena

TONY & VERENA

British Columbia, Canada

[Coming] was one of Verena’s dreams. She really loves teaching and she fell in love with this place and the students.

Coming to the school was one of Verena’s dreams for a long time. She fell in love with this place and the students when visiting the school with short-term teams. Really, this was a dream come true for her.

I (Tony) am reminded of a word we received in 1981: that we would be a team, that we would work together. This year has been a tangible fulfillment of that. Verena would prepare for the lessons, and teach. We would often both work with the students one-on-one, helping them write sentences, making sure they found their way. Coming to the school was one of Verena’s dreams for a long time. She loves teaching, and she fell in love with this place and the students when visiting the school with short-term teams. Really, this was a dream come true for her.

TEFL Assistant & Teacher 2017

Kayla

KAYLA

Oregon, USA

It is so evident that the teachers all value the spiritual wellbeing of the students and make that the priority.

I learned a lot about faith from the Guatemalan staff at CCAF, [about] praying and believing your prayers are being answered. Although CCAF provides an excellent academic education, it is so evident that the teachers all value the spiritual wellbeing of the students and make that the priority. It was a privilege to be a part of.

TEFL Teacher 2014

Travis

TRAVIS

Manitoba, Canada

Teaching English has been a rewarding experience. It is a privilege to work in a school that is so invested in its students.

It is exciting to watch the kids grow into the sons and daughters that God created them to be. Both the staff and students are a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness. I am excited to see what God will do for my students in their future studies and adventures.

It is a privilege to work in a school that is so invested in its students. It is exciting to watch the kids grow into the sons and daughters that God created them to be. Both the staff and students are a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness. This experience is teaching me how to give and serve, but also how to receive well. I am excited to see what God will do for my students in their future studies and adventures.

TEFL Teacher 2016

Micaiah

MICAIAH

Ontario, Canada

Teaching in the assistant position in Guatemala is an awesome opportunity! I am grateful to have been part of this team.

Teaching in the assistant position in Guatemala is an awesome opportunity! The process of learning to teach is very rewarding and the process of learning to communicate the love of Christ to the kids is even more so. It astounded me when I first arrived at how much love I received from the kids even though they hardly knew me, and it just pushed me to want to return it tenfold. You will never find a place with better coworkers who are unified in the mission of raising disciples of Jesus Christ whose lives are fully directed by him.

TEFL Assistant 2016

Dollars & Cents

TEFL staff fundraise for their work with Global Shore Opportunities. The estimated fundraising total for a year’s ministry is $16,000 (CAD). If the applicant does not have a TEFL certification and the position requires certification, we will work with you to find a reputable certification organization. Fees associated with the certificate can be fundraised.

The total amount covers one international return flight, housing for the duration of the school year, a stipend of $600 Canadian per month for ten months, orientation tours & activities, ongoing missionary care, 1-on-1 Spanish lessons and out-of-country medical insurance. This price does not cover passport application fees, passport photos, flight cancellation insurance, immunizations or lodging, travel and meals to and from the airport from which the flight is booked.

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