Upper School EAL Teacher (English as an Additional Language)

The International School of Helsinki (ISH) is a vibrant, inclusive, and non-profit learning community offering education to students aged 4 to 18 through the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. Located in Finland's capital, ISH fosters a global mindset and prepares students for the complexities of the modern world. Our community includes over 100 staff members and approximately 500 students representing diverse cultures and nationalities.

Are you a dedicated and experienced English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teacher? The International School of Helsinki is seeking an energetic and passionate Upper School EAL Teacher to oversee the provision for English language learners across the Upper School (MYP through Diplomas) enabling them to develop the proficiency needed to access the curriculum and achieve academic success. This is a part-time, temporary position within our IB World School reporting to the Director of MYP, where inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world applications are at the heart of our curriculum.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Support the needs of ISHs EAL learners with specialist English Acquisition / EAL teaching to increase students capacity to participate successfully in classroom activities and to achieve the goals of the MYP curriculum.

• Keep abreast of the latest information in the English Acquisition / EAL field, e.g. through professional learning opportunities.

• Work according to the schedule and direction of the EAL Lead to push in / pull out to support EAL learners, their EAL teachers, and their subject or classroom teachers, and to support the general development of the EAL programme.

• Collaborate with other EAL Teachers to develop continuity and an all school approach to EAL learning.

• Foster and promote throughout the Upper School, a multicultural and inclusive classroom environment that values students linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

• Communicate effectively with parents and colleagues to ensure a holistic approach to student learning.

• Actively maintain a culture of vigilance to identify any changes in student well-being, reporting all concerns promptly in line with school safeguarding procedures.

What We Offer

This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a vibrant international learning community. ISH offers competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that emphasizes inclusion, wellbeing, and autonomy.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, Education, or a related field.

• Teaching certification and a minimum of 3 years of experience in teaching English as an Additional Language or English Acquisition (EAL/ESL/ELL).

• Experience teaching in an IB school (PYP/MYP/DP) or an international school setting is preferred.

• Strong understanding of language acquisition theories and differentiation strategies.

• Familiarity with standardized testing, such as WIDA, is preferred.

• Ability to design and implement scaffolded learning activities for students at varying proficiency levels.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with students, teachers, and parents.

• High levels of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English

Child Protection & Safeguarding

ISH is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful candidates will be asked to sign the schools Child Safeguarding Code of Conduct, and will need to pass background checks, including police clearance and reference verification.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to employment@ishelsinki.fi:

• A letter of application explaining your suitability for the role and alignment with ISHs values and IB inclusion principles.

• A current CV.

Compensation

• Compensation will be based on a minimum of 9 teaching hours.

Start Date

• August 5, 2026

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Statement of Anti-Discrimination

At ISH, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We actively promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, or beliefs.

_For all positions, a criminal record check as required in § 3 Law of working with children, must be presented by the applicant chosen for the position._