Teaching jobs in Switzerland | latest Teaching jobs available

Are you an enthusiastic teacher seeking a fresh challenge in a stunning nation steeped in culture? With its exceptional education system and high level of life, Switzerland presents a rare chance for educators to truly impact students’ lives. Switzerland is a desirable location for anyone looking for a fulfilling teaching career, since there is an increasing need for foreign instructors in all subject areas.

Teachers can work and live in a variety of intriguing environments in Switzerland, from the scenic Alps to the bustling metropolis. Switzerland places a high priority on education and offers a welcoming, well-equipped learning environment that lets educators concentrate on what they do best—inspiring and educating the next generation of brains. There are plenty of chances in Switzerland for teachers of all skill levels and disciplines, regardless of experience level.

The most recent teaching positions in Switzerland—from local educational institutions to overseas schools—will be discussed in this article. We’ll also discuss the prerequisites and requirements for teaching in Switzerland, as well as the advantages and difficulties of working as a teacher in this stunning nation. We will assist you in locating and landing a teaching position in Switzerland, regardless of whether you are an EU national or not, and offer insightful advice on living and working in this amazing nation.

Latest Teaching jobs available in Switzerland

Here are some of the latest teaching job opportunities in Switzerland:

Residential Assistant Houseparent at Aiglon College, Switzerland.
German Language Teacher at Institut auf dem Rosenberg, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
Deputy Housemaster/Deputy Housemistress at Collège Alpin Beau Soleil SA, Switzerland.
Secondary teacher-Physical Education and French at International School of Central Switzerland (ISCS), Switzerland.
DP Coordinator at International School of Ticino, Switzerland.
Mathematics Teacher at Institut auf dem Rosenberg, Switzerland.
Boarding Graduate Interns (Stagiaires) at Le Regent International School, Switzerland.
Piano and Voice Teacher – Peripatetic at Le Regent International School, Switzerland.
Secondary teacher-Economics at International School of Central Switzerland (ISCS), Switzerland

Teaching Positions in International Schools

Here are some of the latest teaching positions available in international schools in Switzerland:

Digital Learning Coordinator / ICT Support at a small, private, bilingual day school with approximately 130 students (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6) at each campus in Horgen and Küsnacht.
Crafts, Design, Technology Teacher at a small, private, bilingual day school with approximately 130 students (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6) at each campus.
Music Teacher at a small, private, bilingual day school with approximately 130 students (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6) at each campus in Horgen and Küsnacht.
Primary Music Teacher (40%) at La Côte International School, Aubonne, Switzerland.
Fachperson Betreuung (Specialist Caregiver) 100% at Cognita, which operates more than 100 schools around the world and has recently acquired the Four Forest group with schools in Zug and Luzern

What qualifications do I need to teach in Switzerland?

To teach in Switzerland, you need to meet several qualifications, including:

1. Educational Qualification:

You need at least a bachelor’s degree to teach at the preschool and/or primary school level. For the lower secondary level, you need at least a master’s degree. The degrees are recognized throughout Switzerland.

2. Recognition of Foreign Teaching Diplomas:

Your foreign teaching qualification should be recognized by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). Examples of teaching diplomas considered include the UK’s Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Induction Period, and the US, Australia, and Canada’s Teaching Licence, Teachers Certificate, or Brevet d’enseignement.

3. Language Proficiency:

You need to have a C2 level in a national language (German, French, or Italian) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to get your qualification approved to teach subjects like maths and science.

However, for teachers at lower secondary level (12-15 years old) and baccalaureate schools (the schools after compulsory education that prepare pupils for university), which teach English as a foreign language so don’t have to necessarily teach in a national language, the requirement is to have a B2 level in a national language.

3. Additional Courses:

You might need to take some extra courses at a University of Teacher Education to have your qualification fully recognized.

The cantons are in charge of school educational matters in Switzerland, and they, along with the local school authorities, are responsible for hiring teachers and making the ultimate decisions on qualifications and language skills.

How do I get a teaching job in Switzerland?

Getting a teaching job in Switzerland involves several steps:

Update your CV: Highlight your teaching experience and qualifications.
Check Qualification Recognition: Your foreign qualifications need to be recognized by the Swiss ENIC (Swiss National Information Centre for Recognition Issues). You’ll need a bachelor’s degree at the minimum, but depending on what level you’re aiming to teach, a master’s or even a Ph.D. might be necessary.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in at least one of the national languages is essential.
Job Search: There are plenty of opportunities to find teaching jobs in Switzerland. You can find school vacancies of all types in local newspapers, at cantonal education departments or under educajob.ch.
Secure a Job Offer: Before you can apply for a work visa, you must first secure a job offer from a Swiss employer.
Apply for a Work Permit: If you are not an EU citizen, make sure that you apply for a work permit.
Apply for a Residence Permit: Once you have a job offer and a work permit, you can apply for a residence permit

Which subject teachers are in demand in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, there is a growing demand for international teachers in all subjects. More than 10,000 teachers a year are needed to fill the gap, including 7,000 teachers at the primary level and more than 3,000 at the secondary level. This demand is due to the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation and the recent baby boom, which means more children are starting school.

In particular, there is a high demand for teachers with specialized qualifications in English language teaching, such as TEFL or CELTA, and for subjects taught in English at international schools. However, opportunities are not limited to these areas. With the high standard of education in Switzerland, there is a constant need for competent and experienced teachers in various subjects.

Remember, the teaching industry in Switzerland is mostly freelance, so there are plenty of opportunities to find teaching jobs in Switzerland.

Are teaching positions in Switzerland open to non-EU citizens?

Yes, teaching positions in Switzerland are open to non-EU citizen. However, the process may be more complex and longer compared to EU citizens. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Qualification Recognition:

Your foreign teaching qualification should be recognized by The Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). The idea is to establish their equivalence with Swiss qualifications.

2. Language Proficiency:

Extremely good language skills in German, French, or Italian are required. The language requirement states that you need a C2 level in a national language to get your qualification approved to teach subjects like math and science.

3. Work Permit:

People from outside the EU/EFTA can only come to work in Switzerland if they are “qualified. This includes executives, specialists, and other people with qualifications, in particular university graduates with several years’ professional experience. They must hold a work permit, even for short-term employment.

4. Job Offer:

You must first secure a job offer from a Swiss employer.

5. Residence Permit:

After securing a job offer, you can apply for a residence permit.

How competitive are teaching jobs in Switzerland?

Teaching jobs in Switzerland can be competitive, especially in sought-after locations or specialized fields. However, candidates with relevant qualifications and experience can find rewarding opportunities.

Do they need teachers in Switzerland?

Yes, there is a significant demand for teachers in Switzerland. More than 10,000 teachers a year are needed to fill the gap, including 7,000 teachers at the primary level and more than 3,000 at the secondary level. This demand is due to the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation and the recent baby boom, which means more children are starting school.

In particular, there is a high demand for teachers with specialized qualifications in English language teaching, such as TEFL or CELTA, and for subjects taught in English at international schools. However, opportunities are not limited to these areas. With the high standard of education in Switzerland, there is a constant need for competent and experienced teachers in various subjects.

Is there a demand for English teachers in Switzerland?

Yes, there is a high demand for English teachers in Switzerland. English is widely spoken in the country, and there are several reasons why teaching English in Switzerland might be a good choice:

High Demand: There is a high demand for English teachers, especially in the larger cities.
Good Pay: English teachers in Switzerland generally earn good salaries and often receive additional benefits, such as housing and airfare.
High Standard of Living: Switzerland has a high standard of living, with access to excellent healthcare, education, and transportation.
Beautiful Surroundings: Switzerland is a beautiful country with stunning natural scenery, including the Swiss Alps and lakes.
Cultural Opportunities: Switzerland is a diverse country with four official languages and a rich cultural heritage.
Strong Education System: Switzerland has a strong education system, so teaching English in Switzerland may provide the opportunity to work with highly motivated and skilled students.

Many language schools in Switzerland offer English courses to students of various ages and proficiency levels. These schools often hire TEFL-certified teachers to conduct group or one-on-one lessons. The demand for English instruction is typically higher in urban areas like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel.

So, if you’re considering teaching English in Switzerland, it could be a great opportunity!

Does Switzerland have a teacher shortage?

Yes, Switzerland is currently facing a significant teacher shortage. Over the next decade, Switzerland expects a shortage of tens of thousands of teachers in both primary and secondary level schooling. The number of teachers is expected to grow by 6% by 2031, while the number of students at primary level will increase by 8% and at the lower secondary level by 9%.

Some 43,000-47,000 new teachers will be needed at the primary school level to meet the demand. However, only 34,000 teaching diplomas are expected to be issued in the period 2022 to 2031. The statistics office says that some of this shortfall could be filled with teachers trained at another school level, foreign teachers, and students from teacher training colleges.

The severity of the teacher shortage varies between Swiss cantons. In north-western Switzerland, including Canton Bern, the teacher shortage is likely to remain prevalent into the next decade, while in Canton Zurich the shortage is likely to balance out.

Can a foreigner be a teacher in Switzerland?

Yes, a foreigner can indeed become a teacher in Switzerland. However, there are several requirements and steps to follow:

Qualification Recognition: Your foreign qualifications need to be recognized by the Swiss authorities. This typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but higher levels of education may be necessary depending on the teaching level.
Language Proficiency: You need to be fluent in at least one of the national languages (German, French, or Italian). An internationally recognized language diploma at Level C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is usually required.
Job Offer: You must first secure a job offer from a Swiss employer to be eligible for a work visa.
Work and Residence Permits: After securing a job offer, you can apply for a work permit and a residence permit.
Settling in Switzerland: The final step is to settle in Switzerland.

Are teachers well paid in Switzerland?

Yes, teachers in Switzerland are generally well paid compared to many other professions. However, the salary can vary significantly depending on the canton, the level of education, and the teacher’s experience.

Here are some average salary figures for teachers in Switzerland:

A Zurich-area upper secondary school teacher, the highest academic level besides university, can expect to earn CHF 110,590 in the first year, or CHF 8,506 per month under the Swiss 13-month salary system.
The average yearly salary for a teacher in Switzerland is around CHF 95,600.
The average gross salary for a teacher in Switzerland is CHF 79,021 per year, or an equivalent hourly rate of CHF 383.
The average teacher salary in Switzerland is CHF 162,825 per year or CHF 83.50 per hour.

Please note that these are gross salary figures, that is the salary before tax deductions. Also, keep in mind that the cost of living in Switzerland is among the highest in the world. So, while the salaries might seem high, the living expenses are also considerable.

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Living and Working in Switzerland

Living and working in Switzerland can be a unique and rewarding experience. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Country Background:

Switzerland is known for its stable political system, multicultural population, robust economy, and high safety and quality of life.

2. Immigration:

Switzerland has a dual immigration system. The conditions for residence in Switzerland depend on your nationality and the reason for your stay. For EU/EFTA nationals, there are specific rules and for non-EU/EFTA nationals, different rules apply.

3. Living in Switzerland:

Moving to a new country involves many aspects, from cost-effective tax planning to selecting the right school for accompanying children. Some of the things to consider include language, housing, utilities, and education.

4. Labor Law:

The Swiss employment contract should stipulate most of the terms of an individual’s employment in Switzerland, including the working hours, vacation entitlement, place of work, etc.

5. Social Security and Pensions:

Switzerland has a social security system and provisions for pensions. Health insurance is also an important consideration.

6. Income and Wealth Taxation:

Switzerland’s complex income tax system is structured around the three layers of government: federal, cantonal (or state), and communal (or city).

Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in teaching in Switzerland, bookmark our website for the latest job updates and resources. Still have questions? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to help. Share this article with fellow educators and friends who might be interested in this exciting opportunity. Good luck on your teaching journey!