Consultant: Ukrainian Academic Expert/Teacher Professional Development

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW - INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL IMPACT (ISI)

Sesame Workshop’s International Social Impact department develops and implements Sesame’s powerful initiatives to serve children and families around the world. Building upon the familiarity and appeal of the trusted, beloved Sesame Street characters – and their global counterparts – we create and disseminate unique educational resources and tools for families most in need. Sesame’s research-driven initiatives reach many children who would otherwise have little or no access to early childhood education, and support all aspects of children’s development – including healthy habits; cognitive development in areas such as early literacy and math; mutual respect and understanding; and social-emotional well-being and resilience. We reach and engage children ages 3 – 8 and the important adults in their families and communities using multiple media platforms and innovative strategies – from television and radio to digital media, mobile technologies, classroom materials, teacher/provider training, social media, and more.

ABOUT SESAME WORKSHOP

Sesame Workshop is the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street and so much more. For over 50 years, we have worked at the intersection of education, media, and research, creating joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts, all in service of empowering each generation to build a better world. Our beloved characters, iconic shows, outreach in communities, and more bring playful early learning to families in more than 150 countries and advance our mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.

Ukrainian Academic Expert SOW 

Ukraine Teacher Professional Development 

Term: November 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025 

Total Fee:  $40,120 

Payment: Contractor to submit invoices based on payment schedule outlined below  

Background  

SW will partner with Osvitoria, Izmail University, LEGO Foundation, and the Ukraine MoES to develop, design and pilot a rapid 3-month media-enhanced teacher training initiative that is practical, playful, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of young children affected by the ongoing war. Key elements include a needs assessment to identify unmet Teacher Professional Development (TPD) needs, a curriculum advisory and curriculum creation, development and testing of media-enhanced curricular modules, development and execution of the training model, knowledge sharing, and planning for scale and sustainability. This innovative approach is an opportunity to support both emergency and longer-term needs of the Ukrainian education system, which has a shortage of trained teachers that are currently facing complex and growing mental health concerns among young children.  

The Ukrainian Academic Expert will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the drafting and translation of the TPD curriculum, ensuring appropriateness for the Ukrainian context and ability to be additive to the existing TPD system.  

Responsibilities 

• Participate in Curriculum Advisory and Project Kick Off Meetings 
• Oversee execution of Teacher Professional Development curriculum focus on SEL, PSS, Child Protection, and Play Based Learning from a cultural perspective, maintaining an eye for content that is additive and content that might be repetitive with existing the existing TPD system 
• Review accompanying multimedia materials as needed  
• Train Master Trainers in implementation of the curriculum 

Schedule and Estimated Payment

Upon Signing (10%)

Nov 2024-Jan 2025 (20%)

• Attend and participate in Program Kick Off Meeting and Curriculum Advisory 
• Oversee development of curriculum outline from Ukrainian perspective 

Feb 2025-August 2025 (20%)

• Oversee development of curriculum modules for review 
• Review Ukrainian translations of curriculum modules for accuracy and quality 
• Collaborate with LEGO on play-based learning module as needed 
• Review print and video materials as needed 
• Review and consolidate stakeholder feedback and results of formative research and incorporate input 
• Finalize curriculum 

Sep 2025 (50%)

• Develop training on curriculum modules for Master Trainers 
• Train Osvitoria Master Trainers 
• Be available for additional support to Master Trainers as needed