Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Blue Creek?

Blue Creek is located in the district of Orange Walk at the northwest part of Belize in central america. A small river runs beside Blue Creek which separates it from the small Mexican town of Union. Nearby are the ancient Mayan ruins of Lamanai. The following is a map of Central America and the green portion is Belize.

 

 

What are the requirements to teach at your school?

Preference is given to teachers who have experience and professional training however the requirements in Belize are not the same as they are in North America so we are able to accept students who are part way through their training or others who have a gift for teaching. We use the A Becka home-school curriculum which has all the sessions laid out for you as the teacher. Since the school is founded by the Church we require all teachers to be professing evangelical Christians. In addition applicants need to be able to commit to the full 10 months from the beginning of August till the end of May.

How much do you pay?

The average teacher makes about $13,000 BZ during a 10 month term which is enough to cover your expenses in Belize. This number is adjusted to take into account the amount of education and experience a teacher brings. Although this may not seem like much the cost of living here is different and most teachers are able to pay all their costs while here and have a little left over for a couple nice trips to the islands or cave tubing in the interior. Some people however have extensive financial commitments back home (or greater expenses while here) and can apply with us the ability to raise missionary support. The following is a sample budget for a single teacher

Monthly allowance approx $1300 (depending on experience and education)

Optional Extras

What is the School Schedule

The following schedule was used for the 2006/2007 school year but gives an idea of what a year is like

Are you 3rd world or do you have stuff there?

Although Blue Creek is carved out of the jungle visitors are often surprised as they cross the small bridge marking the border of our town how the lush the fields are. Although we are Mennonite we made a choice several decades ago that it was not necessary to have steel tires on our tractors, instead our town will remind you of a small farming community on the foothills of the prairies. From time to time you will hear the crop-dusters overhead or see the students roll past you on their 4x4 quads. The community worked together a few years ago to pave all our streets and electricity is available to all the homes (although a few still use the old hydro-dam we made out of a salvaged plane parts a few decades ago). You can use either land based phone lines or cellular (but like in all countries you need the right chip in your phone) and can choose between dial-up and satellite Internet. The school has 8 computers in our student lab and the students have all the basic supplies they need.

Of course you won't have all the options you have back home. Our local store carries all the basics but for bigger purchases like TV's or that special brand of shampoo you may need to go into Orange Walk, Belize City or across the border to Mexico. There is no video store so when people get a copy of the latest movie they tend to pass it on so others can see it too.

How do I get all my stuff to Blue Creek?

You have a few options. Most people just fill their suitcases full of everything they need and fly into Belize City. Check with your airplane about how much luggage you can take and how much it will cost if overweight (Typically $80US for each bag over your allowed two). From there they have arranged that someone from Blue Creek will come and pick them up. Sometimes you can find good deals on Expedia, www.travelocity.com or directly from American Airlines or Continental. Some teachers have found it substantially cheaper to fly from an American City like Seattle into Cancun, Mexico and then take a five hour bus to the Belize border.

Another option is you can drive down. When you get to the Mexican border you will either get a green light or a red light. If you get a red light they will search your vehicle and anything they think you might try to sell (especially electronics) they might try to hold onto till you pay a fee. When you get to Belize you can drive for a few months but then have to import your vehicle into the country. This can range from 49% on small trucks to 76% on cars and luxury vehicles (based on the price they value your vehicle at not what you paid for it)

Another option is to bring all your stuff to Houston or another major city along the coast and stick it on a container heading for Belize City. This costs about $.35 BZ ($.18US) a pound (past quote from Houston).

There is a $500 BZ ($250US) one-time grant for teachers to help cover some moving expenses. Please check with us to see if this is available to people from your area.

Where can I stay?

We have several renting options open each year. A common option is right above the store we have 2 apartments that we rent to teachers for half price ($250 BZ a month). These are nice units with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.

In addition we have several houses available for $200-$450 BZ a month. Since these are often homes of families who have gone to Canada for a year to keep their citizenship or who have moved away the availability changes each year. Please request more information.

Some of these places are fully equipped with all appliances, dishes, etc and others are not. Make sure you discuss with us what is available and what you may need to bring or buy.

What kind of clothes do I need?

The teachers dress code is:

GENERAL

MEN

LADIES

Other Clothes Needed

What other expectations other than teaching will be part of my role?

Teachers take turns being on duty at lunch and recess at each different level (school building)

The school is expected to present a Christmas program every year (Program One for Preschool - Grade 3 and Program Two for Grades 4 through 12)

Teachers are expected to buy Christmas gifts for their students from their own money (prices are agreed upon at staff meetings)

Teachers are expected to buy Easter gifts ($2-$3 per student) from their own money.  TIP: Some gifts are easier to buy back home where you can larger quantities of the same thing.

End of the year picnic where the whole community is invited.  Teams are formed by combining different classes and relays are played.  Teachers and others (parents, etc) also set up booths as activities for students and the community to join in.

Staff meetings every other week.  Teachers take turns having a short devotional opening and bringing a snack for the staff.

Teachers non-instructional responsibilities (divided up at staff meeting). These could include

Teachers need to plan to stay at least 3-4 working days after the last day of school in order to:

The day before school begins the teachers are expected to be available for a "Meet the Teacher" evening.  Parents come and visit the classroom and the teacher is required to present to the parents a schedule of daily activities, classroom rules of conduct and consequences, and so forth.  Question and answer time.

Chapel takes place every week at alternating levels.  Each level will have a chapel every three weeks.  The teachers at each level will take turns coordinating / leading the chapel.

Teachers are encouraged to meet in the morning for a short time of prayer

 

What are the school hours?