When people talk about world class education, Finland often comes up and for good reason. The Finnish education system is widely praised for its focus on equality, creativity, and student well-being rather than high-stakes testing. Teachers in Finland are highly respected, not just as instructors but as trusted professionals shaping the future of society.
For anyone looking to teach abroad, Finland offers a unique opportunity. It’s a country where classrooms are less about memorizing and more about problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace, and teachers enjoy a high level of autonomy to design lessons that work best for their classes.
Job opportunities exist in public schools, private international schools, universities, and even language institutes. While competition can be strong, especially in the public sector, the demand for English speaking teachers and subject specialists continues to grow, particularly in international schools and higher education.
Teaching in Finland isn’t just about the job rather it’s also about experiencing a society that values balance. With shorter school days, generous holidays, and a strong work-life culture, teachers here find the space to enjoy life outside the classroom while still making a meaningful impact inside it.
Current Teaching Job Openings in Finland (2025)
1. English Teacher (Middle Years Programme, MYP)
- School: International School of Helsinki (Helsinki)
- Details: Full-time job, teaching English to middle school students in the IB programme.
2. Substitute Teachers
- School: International School of Helsinki
- Details: They are also looking for teachers who can be on call as substitutes for different subjects.
3. International Studies Teacher
- School: Kalajoen Lukio (Upper Secondary School) in Kalajoki
- Details: Teaching international studies to older students (ages 16–18). Finnish language is not required.
4. Primary School Teacher (Class Teacher)
- School: Puhos School, Kitee
- Details: Fixed-term job for the new school year, teaching younger children in primary grades.
5. Class Teacher (Permanent Position)
- School: Turenki School
- Details: Permanent role teaching in a comprehensive school. Open to teachers who can handle a variety of subjects.
Check out: Healthcare and Nursing Jobs in Finland
Top Schools and Organizations Hiring Teachers in Finland
1. Helsinki International School (HIS): IB curriculum, one of the most popular international schools in Finland. Often recruits foreign teachers for English, math, and sciences.
2. International School of Helsinki (ISH): One of the oldest and most established international schools in Finland. Offers the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP).
3. European School of Helsinki: Provides education for children of EU staff and expatriates. Bilingual instruction (English/Finnish and other EU languages).
4. Tampere International School: IB World School catering to primary, middle, and secondary students. Great demand for English-speaking teachers across subjects.
5. Espoo International School: Publicly funded but operates with an international curriculum. Recruits teachers who can deliver instruction in English.
6. Vantaa International School: Offers English-medium education with a multicultural student base. Frequently hires teachers for primary and lower secondary education.
7. Oulu International School: Provides the IB programme for primary and secondary levels. Located in northern Finland, ideal for teachers looking beyond Helsinki.
8. University of Helsinki: Finland’s largest and most prestigious university. Hires lecturers, professors, and researchers, many in English-taught programs.
9. Aalto University (Espoo): Specializes in technology, design, and business. Offers many English-medium programs, hiring foreign academics regularly.
10. Private Language Schools (e.g., Berlitz Finland, AAC Global, EF Education First): Recruit English and other foreign language teachers. Flexible opportunities for part-time and full-time roles.
Benefits and Working Conditions for Teachers in Finland
1. Work-Life Balance: Finland is famous for its balanced lifestyle, and teachers benefit from it too. School days are shorter compared to many countries, with less emphasis on overtime and heavy testing. Teachers typically work around 35–37 hours per week, including teaching and preparation time.
2. Generous Holidays: Teachers enjoy long summer breaks (around 8–10 weeks), plus holidays during Christmas and Easter. These breaks are fully paid, giving educators time to recharge.
3. Professional Development: Continuous training and skill-building are encouraged. Many schools and universities provide paid professional development opportunities to keep teachers updated with modern teaching practices.
4. Job Security: Public school teachers often benefit from strong job stability. Permanent contracts come after a trial period, and layoffs are rare in education.
5. Healthcare and Social Benefits: Teachers, like all Finnish workers, have access to excellent public healthcare. They also benefit from the pension system, parental leave, and unemployment security.
6. Supportive Teaching Environment: Class sizes are relatively small often 20 students or fewer, which allows teachers to focus on each student. Finland promotes collaboration over competition, making classrooms less stressful for both teachers and learners.
7. Respect for Teachers: In Finland, teaching is considered a prestigious profession, on par with doctors and lawyers. This respect translates into autonomy in lesson planning and trust in teachers’ judgment.
Requirements and Qualifications
1. Teachers in Finland are highly trained most hold at least a Master’s degree in Education or their subject area. For international schools, a Bachelor’s degree in Education or equivalent plus a teaching license from your home country may be enough.
2. If you want to work in Finnish public schools, your qualifications must be recognized by the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). For international schools or language centers, having a PGCE, TEFL, CELTA, or state-recognized teaching certificate is usually required.
3. Public school teachers typically need fluency in Finnish or Swedish, since those are the main languages of instruction. However, international schools and many universities use English as the medium of instruction, so being a native or fluent English speaker is a huge advantage.
4. Teaching experience (2–3 years minimum) is preferred, especially for international schools and higher education roles. For early childhood and language centers, entry-level teachers with the right qualifications can sometimes find opportunities.
5. You must have strong classroom management and an ability to adapt to Finland’s student-centered, discussion-based teaching style. Familiarity with modern teaching methods and digital tools, since Finland integrates technology heavily in education.
6. Non-EU teachers need a residence permit for employed persons commonly referred to as a work visa. Employers (schools or universities) usually sponsor and guide you through the process once you secure a job offer.
Conclusion
Teaching in Finland is not just about earning a living, it’s about joining a culture where education is deeply valued and teachers are treated as respected professionals. Whether you choose a public school, an international school, a university, or a language center, each path offers opportunities to grow while contributing to one of the most admired education systems in the world.
Yes, the requirements can feel demanding, especially for public schools, but international schools and universities provide clear entry points for foreign teachers. The balance of good salaries, professional development, long holidays, and supportive work environments makes Finland a truly rewarding destination for educators.
If you’re passionate about teaching and eager for an experience that combines professional respect with an excellent quality of life, Finland might just be the right place for your next career move.
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