Education is the Peace Corps’ largest program area. Volunteers play an important role in creating links among schools, parents, and communities. They may work in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary schools, teaching subjects such as math, science, or conversational English; or as resource teachers or teacher trainers. Volunteers also develop libraries and technology resource centers.

If you choose Education, take three courses from one of the following areas:

• Elementary, Middle, or Secondary Education
• K-12 Special Education
• Physical Health Education
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• English
• Math
• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Engineering
• Physical or Biological Science
• Education Media

And build at least 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as (but not limited to):

• Teaching in one of these or a similar form: in a classroom, with a community outreach organization, or in a formal tutoring capacity (e.g., Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Boys and Girls Club, Shenandoah Valley Head Start)
• Helping to maximize participation by helping coordinate the Harrisonburg area Day of Caring event facilitated by the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
• Joining in on one of the Early Childhood programs as part of the United Way of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County such as We Read to Succeed, Smart Beginnings, or Stuff the Bus
• Volunteering with Generations Crossing which helps enable children from infancy through preschool in lower income working familiars to benefit from an intergenerational learning environment
• Helping plan and implement Harrisonburg Education Foundation’s annual fundraising event
• Volunteering with On the Road Collaborative through their 8th Grade Academy Program

This is a sample of service opportunities offered in the Harrisonburg community. Please visit Community Service-Learning for additional service opportunities and information about the Alternative Break Program. Paid and unpaid internships also can meet this requirement. Please see the University Career Center for internship opportunities.