English Program
The English Program offers language classes to over 1000 students each 10-week cycle and has a staff of 45 to 50 teachers. We have classes for all ages and all levels. Our young learners' program is meant for children between 8 to 11 years old. Our teen and adult program consists of four beginner levels (A1-A2), four intermediate levels (B1-B2), a speaking course (B1-B2), four advanced levels (B2-C1), and a final course to prepare students to take the Cambride B2 First Official Exam, a graduation requeriment from our program.
The aim of CEDEI's English program is for our students to finish with a high level of English (C1 CEFR). Our classes are structured around a clear curriculum; students engage with their teachers through interactive lessons either in our face-to-face or online courses, supported by their textbooks and a virtual learning platform. With these resources, we ensure the best quality of education for our students.
CEDEI's English teachers come from different parts of the world, are of different ages, and come with different life and educational experiences, which enrich our teaching environment and contribute to a rich cultural exchange between our students and teachers. Our teachers need to have a TEFL, CELTA or TESOL certificate, have teaching experience, and be native or fluent English speakers. Most importantly, we look for teachers who love teaching and enjoy interacting with our students.
Our main center is housed in a herigitage building of Republican style situated in downtown Cuenca, three blocks from Parque Calderón, the city's main central plaza. As part of the Foundation CEDEI, we also share our center with CEDEI's International Programs and administrrative offices. As of December 2023, we have a new location on Isabel La Católica and Carlos V streets, corner building.
Teaching at CEDEI
We are seeking teachers who can commit to work for our school for a minimum of nine months. A longer stay is more than welcome!
Job Title | EFL Teacher |
Department | CEDEI English Program |
Requirements |
|
Main responsibilities | * Plan, prepare, and teach lessons that correspond with CEDEI’s curriculum and policies while supporting student learning and growth. |
* Assess and provide relevant and timely feedback on achievement, progress, and the developmental needs of the students. | |
* Carry out assessments as needed and turn in grades in a timely manner. | |
* Supervise student attendance and behavior. | |
* Develop materials and resources that complement the material in the students' book and workbook. | |
* Evaluate and give feedback on materials, courses, and lessons to the academic director. | |
* Attend academic meetings (workshops, general teacher meetings, etc.) | |
* Encourage students to participate in all activities. | |
* Adhere to the standards and procedures detailed in the English Teacher Manual. Teachers will receive this manual once they are on staff. | |
* Deal with student issues/emergencies in the classroom as they arise - immediately contact an English Program coordinator if needed. | |
* Adhere to CEDEI's regulations, policies and procedures. | |
Pay | Face-to-face courses:
Online courses:
Teachers are also offered free Spanish classes and free dance classes. |
Interested candidates who do not hold a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate can learn more about CEDEI's TEFL certification program here.
We ask applying teachers to send the following documents to english@cedei.org:
- Résumé
- Two, signed letters of references, one directly related to teaching experience
- This completed Application Form
If you have further questions, you can directly email the English Program's Academic Director at english@cedei.org.
Additional Perks
Spanish and dance classes:
While at CEDEI, teachers can take free Spanish classes each cycle, provided by our Spanish Department. There are three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. To determine the appropriate level, each teacher takes a Spanish placement test. Spanish classes take place twice a week.
Teachers can also take dance classes on Fridays. These dancing lessongs are perfect chance for those who would like to learn how to dance merengue or salsa and ideal to socialize with each other or with Cuencano friends.
Insurance:
There is health insurance available through CEDEI. Teachers interested in being covered need to request it once they are on staff. More information is given personally to those interested.
Professional Development:
CEDEI organizes several professional development workshops each 10-week cycle, ranging from topics like classroom management and educational techniques to cultural exchanges.
Support with Travel and Settling in:
CEDEI is committed to helping all our new teachers with the visa process. The process could be daunting, so patience is required while completing it. However, CEDEI staff is always available for questions and to help you in making this process as smooth as possible.
Additionally, upon arrival in Cuenca, we can help you find a suitable home for the duration of your stay. We generally recommend that teachers come to Cuenca and secure a rental unit once in the country to ensure best pricing and understanding between landlord and renter, especially if you are less confident about your Spanish skills.
Classes
Teenage/Adult Program
- Regular Courses - Monday through Thursday, 1h15mn each session (50 hours of instruction over 10-week cycle)
- Saturday Courses - 4hrs each session (40 hours of instruction in the morning, 8h30-12h30)
- Intensives Courses - Monday through Friday, 2hours each session (50 hours of instruction over 5-week cycle)
For these classes, we use the series Empower from Cambridge University Press.
Young Learners’ Program
- Regular Courses - Monday through Thursday, 1h15 mn each session (50 hours of instruction over a 10 week cycle)
- Saturday Courses - 3h30 each session (35 hours of instruction)
Currently, for these classes we use the Richmond Open Day series:
Schedules
Regular Teen/Adult Classes and Young Learners | |
7:00 – 8:15 | Monday—Thursday * not offered for Young Learners |
15:00 – 16:15 | Monday—Thursday |
16:30 – 17:45 | Monday—Thursday |
18:00 – 19:15 | Monday—Thursday * not offered for Young Learners |
Intensive Classes - Teen/Adult Classes only | |
8:30 – 10:30 | Monday – Friday |
15:00 - 17:00 | Monday – Friday |
18:00 – 20:00 | Monday – Friday |
| Saturday classes | |
| Teen/Adult | 8h30-12h30 |
| Youn Learners | 8h30-12h00 |
Living in Cuenca
Living in Cuenca
Upon acceptance of a teaching job, you will receive all documentation needed from CEDEI to start your journey. Once you arrive in the beautiful historical city of Cuenca, you can find a hotel or hostel first or visit us right away in our main office. There you will meet your new colleagues and you’ll find the help you need to settle in. The Visa process will be rounded off in Cuenca with the help of CEDEI's administrative staff.
You will see your work environment and will get all the help you need to start teaching through the orientation sessions scheduled for this purpose. Apart from that, there is plenty of information about food, markets and going out in the city, walking tours in Cajas National Park, and the best ways to visit the beautiful Ecuadorian beaches or amazing Amazon jungle.
Documents required:
1. Visa Application form: https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/formulario_de_visas.pdf
2. Valid Passport with a mínimum validity period of six (6) months and legible copy.
3. Updated color photograph in JPG format (2x2 inches) with white background.
4. Apostille/legalized certificate of criminal records from your origin country and/or the last country where you resided for the last 5 years prior to your arrival in Ecuador.
5. You must not be considered a threat or risk to public security to the Ecuadorian State.
6. Affidavit stating that the beneficiary will provide their services free of charge and that they will not provide other services for another employer or work independently.
7. Certificate of updated migratory movement.
8. Proof of your legal means that allows your subsistence and any dependent family members.
9. Not having obtained an enforceable sentence for crimes with a custodial sentence of more than five years, as established by current criminal law.
10. Petition from the NGI/Institution`s legal representative which states the institution`s service.
11. Application fee $ 50 and visa cost $ 200 / Empadronamiento fee $ 10 dólares
Ecuadorian Embassies and Consulates
For Consular Offices Abroad you can go to the following link:
https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/2021/05/11/embajadas-y-consulados-en-el-exterior/
Office hours: Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 02:00pm
Contact US
Academic Calendar
"Seven years ago I started working at CEDEI, I picked Cuenca because of the pictures I found when I googled it: The colonial style center, the four rivers and the vast mountains that surrounded this far away city. After my first year of teaching I explored other parts of Latin America but I kept coming back to Cuenca, to visit friends or to enjoy the luscious nature of Cajas park. I’ve started working for CEDEI again and now I’ve settled down here, and I’ve made that once far away city my home."
"I literally traveled halfway across the world to work at CEDEI and live in Cuenca, Ecuador. Yes, that's how much I like being a member of CEDEI's amazing team! CEDEI enjoys a diversified pool of teachers from all over the world and is managed by a professional team of directors. This translates to a great work experience in an organized and professional environment while at the same time being surrounded by welcoming and supportive people. If you are looking for a marvelous experience that involves living in a beautiful colonial city and working with amazing people, CEDEI is definitely the place to go!"
"My experience teaching at CEDEI, and living in the beautiful city of Cuenca, is one of the best decisions I have made. It`s rewarding professionally and personally. Relocating from Houston, Texas to Cuenca, Ecuador was a smooth process with the assistance of CEDEI. Being part of the CEDEI team has been great for meeting new people, experiencing a new culture, and broadening my horizons."
"Back in 2018, we started looking for jobs in Ecuador, that is when I came across CEDEI. We traveled to Cuenca with our four dogs from South Africa to our new home in rural Cojitambo. We have received so much help and support from other teachers and administration during some really difficult times and I cannot begin to find the words for how grateful I am to all that helped us. Teaching English with CEDEI has really allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people, both students and colleagues, and I feel so lucky to have had this experience. I hope to continue working at CEDEI for many years to come."
"CEDEI brings out the best in every child by tapping into their strengths while creating an environment of kindness, responsibility, and leadership. Working for CEDEI for the past two years has been very rewarding."
"I joined CEDEI as an online EFL teacher when most of their classes were online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since CEDEI is one of the most reliable and reputable English Academies offering online classes, I was excited to join their professional team when the opportunity presented itself, and after months of teaching, I believe it’s safe to say that I could not be happier about my decision. I don’t live in Ecuador so I work remotely from my home country. This could not have been possible without a welcoming and supportive team."
