If you are ready for Teaching Jobs In Dominican Republic, get your document and follow the career guide here. The Dominican Republic is a country where classrooms are alive with energy, curiosity, and cultural richness. For teachers, this island nation offers something rare which is the chance to combine meaningful work with a lifestyle surrounded by warmth, both from the people and the climate.
Whether you’re stepping into a local school in Santo Domingo, guiding international students in Punta Cana, or teaching English in a small coastal town, each role comes with its own flavor of challenge and reward. The education sector here is growing, with demand for teachers in subjects like English, science, and math, alongside positions in international schools that follow U.S., British, or IB curricula.
What makes teaching in the Dominican Republic special isn’t just the paycheck rather it’s the people. Students are eager to learn, communities are welcoming, and the slower pace of island life balances the hard work that goes into lesson planning and classroom management. For many educators, it becomes more than a job rather it’s a cultural exchange that leaves a lasting imprint both ways.
Teaching Job Openings in the Dominican Republic
1. Elementary Teacher at Puntacana International School (Punta Cana): A welcoming international school seeking an energetic elementary educator for grades beginning in August 2025.
They offer a two-year contract, full relocation support (visa, airfare, housing or stipend), health insurance, and tuition waivers for your first two children.
2. Secondary Science Teacher at Cap Cana Heritage School (Punta Cana): Looking for a qualified science teacher to inspire curiosity in middle and high school learners.
You’ll teach subjects like biology, chemistry, environmental science, or physics, grounded in U.S. based curriculum standards
3. IGCSE/IB Language & Literature Teacher at Saint George School (Santo Domingo): A private, internationally accredited school seeking educators familiar with IGCSE or IB frameworks.
Permanent, full-time role starting July 2025, ideal for those passionate about global academic standards.
4. IB Physics Teacher at Saint George School (Santo Domingo): Teaching high school IB Physics (grades 11–12) with a start around August 2025.
The role comes with attractive benefits including housing, airfare, health insurance, and holiday bonuses
5. International School Positions at International School of Sosúa: The International School of Sosúa serves a tight-knit community and seeks certified teachers for PreK–12 starting August 2025.
Expect small class sizes, a culturally diverse student body, and beautiful tropical surroundings
6. International English Teaching Roles (Various Locations): Many language schools across Santo Domingo, Santiago, La Romana, and Higüey are hiring TEFL-certified teachers.
Salaries and perks vary: contracts in some locations include furnished accommodation, airfare, health coverage, paid holidays, and prepared lesson plans.
La Romana openings may offer around DOP 60,000 per month (US$1,050). Higüey listings reach DOP 70,000 per month (US$1,230).
Most Demanded Teaching Job Opportunities in the Dominican Republic
1. International Schools:
Schools like Puntacana International School, Cap Cana Heritage School, and Saint George School often seek teachers in subjects such as English, Science, Math, and Language Arts. They follow international curricula (U.S., British, or IB), so teachers with prior international experience or certifications like IB/IGCSE are highly valued. Benefits usually include housing support, airfare, health insurance, and tuition waivers for children.
2. Private Language Institutes:
Language schools across Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Romana regularly hire TEFL-certified English teachers. These roles are perfect for teachers who enjoy smaller classes and conversational-style teaching. Pay is modest compared to international schools, but it’s often paired with perks like accommodation, paid holidays, and prepared lesson plans.
3. Universities and Colleges:
Some Dominican universities and higher institutions recruit English professors, business lecturers, and science instructors. These positions require advanced qualifications (often a master’s degree), but they offer stable work, professional respect, and opportunities for research or curriculum development.
4. Community and Volunteer Teaching:
For teachers looking to give back, NGOs and volunteer programs offer placements in rural or under-resourced areas. These may not pay much (or at all), but they provide invaluable cultural immersion and the chance to make a direct impact where it’s needed most.
5. Online and Hybrid Roles:
With remote learning growing, some Dominican schools also explore blended teaching models, where part of the role may involve online instruction. This is especially appealing for teachers who want flexibility and the option to teach both local and international students.
In short, whether you’re aiming for a well-paying international school contract or seeking a more grassroots, community-driven role, the Dominican Republic has a wide spectrum of teaching opportunities to match different passions and career goals.
Check out: Healthcare and Nursing Jobs in Dominican Republic
Top Schools and Organizations Hiring Teachers in the Dominican Republic
1. Puntacana International School (Punta Cana): A highly reputable private school serving both local and expatriate families. It follows an international curriculum and is known for small class sizes, modern facilities, and a supportive teaching environment. Teachers here often enjoy competitive salaries, housing assistance, and strong professional development.
2. Cap Cana Heritage School: Another well-established international school, CHS offers U.S. based curricula and IB programs. They regularly hire teachers in core subjects like Science, Math, and English. The school emphasizes academic rigor alongside character development, making it a great choice for passionate educators.
3. Saint George School (Santo Domingo): One of the most prestigious private schools in the capital. SGS is well-regarded for its IB Diploma Programme and a diverse student body. Teachers here usually need experience with IB or Cambridge curricula, but in return, they get excellent pay packages and benefits.
4. Carol Morgan School (Santo Domingo): Perhaps the most famous international school in the country, CMS has a long history and strong ties with the U.S. embassy. It follows an American curriculum and offers some of the highest teacher salaries in the Dominican Republic, often attracting educators from around the world.
5. International School of Sosúa (Puerto Plata Province): A smaller but respected school on the north coast, ISS serves a mix of Dominican and expatriate students. Teachers here often highlight the close-knit community feel, supportive staff, and the unique experience of living near the beach while teaching in a professional environment.
6. UNIBE (Universidad Iberoamericana) and Other Universities: For educators with advanced qualifications, universities like UNIBE and PUCMM (Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra) hire professors in English, business, sciences, and education. These roles demand higher credentials often a master’s or doctorate but offer strong professional growth.
7. Private Language Institutes (Nationwide): Language centers in Santo Domingo, Santiago, and tourist hubs like La Romana often hire TEFL/TESOL-certified teachers. These jobs may not come with the same perks as international schools, but they’re ideal for teachers who want flexibility, smaller classes, and more cultural immersion.
8. Saint Michael’s School (Santo Domingo): A bilingual private school that blends Dominican and American educational approaches. It hires teachers for subjects taught in English, especially math, science, and language arts. The school places strong emphasis on values and community service.
9. The Ashton School (Santo Domingo): A prestigious bilingual institution offering education from preschool through high school. It follows U.S.-based standards and prepares students for international exams. Teachers here benefit from a professional atmosphere and opportunities for ongoing training.
10. Colegio Dominicano de La Salle (Santo Domingo): Part of the global La Salle network, this school is known for academic excellence and moral education. While some teaching is in Spanish, they do hire bilingual and subject-specific teachers for English and sciences. Being part of La Salle also connects educators with a worldwide community of schools.
Whether you’re looking for a top-tier international school with high pay and benefits or a grassroots teaching role in a local institute, the Dominican Republic has options that can match different teaching journeys.
Qualifications and Requirements Needed
1. Academic Qualifications: At minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in education or the subject you want to teach. Master’s degree is preferred and sometimes required by top-tier international schools and universities.
2. Teaching Certification: For international schools, a valid teaching license or certification from your home country is usually required (e.g., state teaching license, PGCE, etc.). For English teaching, a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate is often enough, especially in language institutes.
3. Teaching Experience: 1–2 years of classroom experience is the standard minimum for international schools. Language schools and smaller private institutions may hire new graduates with a TEFL certificate and enthusiasm.
4. Language Skills: English fluency is essential for international schools and English-teaching roles. Spanish isn’t always required but is highly helpful in day to day life and in community or bilingual schools.
5. Personal Qualities: Schools often look beyond degrees. They value:
- Adaptability to a new culture and education system.
- A passion for teaching diverse groups of students.
- Strong classroom management and creativity.
- Willingness to contribute beyond the classroom (school clubs, sports, cultural events).
6. Work Authorization & Visa: Schools typically help arrange a work visa if you’re hired internationally. For short-term language school contracts, teachers sometimes work under a business visa or residency permit arranged by the employer.
Teacher Salaries in the Dominican Republic
1. International Schools: These schools like Carol Morgan, Saint George, and Puntacana International offer the highest salaries in the country. Monthly pay ranges from DOP 88,000 – 147,000 ($1,500 to $2,500 USD), and in some top-tier schools, experienced foreign hires can make up to DOP 235,000 – 295,000 ($4,000 to $5,000 USD) per month. Perks often include housing, airfare, health insurance, paid holidays, and tuition discounts for children.
2. Private Bilingual Schools: Salaries here are more modest compared to elite international schools. Teachers typically earn DOP 47,000 – 88,000 ($800 to $1,500 USD) per month, depending on experience and subject taught. Some schools may provide housing stipends, but not always.
3. Language Institutes: These are common across cities like Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Romana. TEFL/TESOL teachers usually earn DOP 29,000 – 53,000 ($500 to $900 USD) per month. Some contracts come with benefits like furnished housing, health coverage, and prepared lesson plans.
4. Universities and Colleges: Professors and lecturers can earn between DOP 35,000 – 71,000 ($600 to $1,200 USD) per month, depending on qualifications and workload. A master’s or doctorate usually leads to higher pay and more stable contracts.
5. Volunteer or Community Teaching: Many NGOs and volunteer programs in rural areas offer little to no salary but cover basic living costs like food and housing. These roles are more about cultural exchange and service than financial gain.
Cost of Living Balance
1. Living costs in the Dominican Republic are generally lower than in North America or Europe.
2. Rent outside big cities can be DOP 17,000 – 29,000 ($300–$500 USD) per month, and local food and transport are affordable.
3. With a mid-level salary DOP 88,000+ ($1,200–$2,000), most teachers can live comfortably and even save a little.
How to Apply for the Employments Opportunities
If you’re picturing yourself teaching under the Caribbean sun, here’s how the journey unfolds
1. Start with Some Research: Imagine scrolling through schools in Santo Domingo or Punta Cana, coffee in hand. Big names like Carol Morgan, Saint George, or Cap Cana Heritage pop up if you’re aiming high. But don’t overlook smaller bilingual schools or local language institutes because they’re often easier to get into and just as rewarding.
2. Get Your Papers Ready: Schools here love to see a clean, professional package Such as:
- A polished resume that highlights teaching or tutoring experience.
- Your degree and any certifications (a TEFL/TESOL helps a lot if you’re teaching English).
- A couple of recommendation letters from past jobs or mentors.
Some schools even like a short write-up about your teaching style, think of it as your “teaching personality” on paper.
3. Send in Applications: International schools are structured and formal, while smaller institutes may just ask you to drop them an email with your CV. If you’re already in the country, walking in and introducing yourself works surprisingly well.
4. Nail the Interview: Most schools will meet you online first. Expect questions like How do you handle a class with different learning levels?, How would you keep kids engaged if English isn’t their first language? Some might even ask you to record a short demo lesson, don’t panic, they’re looking more for personality and creativity than perfection.
5. Review the Contract: Once you get an offer, the contract will spell out your salary, benefits, and expectations. In international schools, it often includes housing, health insurance, airfare, and paid vacation. For language institutes, it might just be salary plus flexible hours. Always double-check the details before signing.
6. Work Visa Help: Most schools help with visas. You’ll usually need:
- A criminal background check
- Authenticated degree certificates
- A quick medical checkup*l
Paperwork takes time, so don’t wait until the last minute.
7. Landing in the DR: When you arrive, many schools give new teachers a soft landing orientation, a bit of cultural training, and sometimes even Spanish classes. From there, you’re ready to dive into teaching while enjoying life by the beach, in bustling Santo Domingo, or in the quieter towns.
Conclusion
Teaching in the Dominican Republic is more than just a job, it’s an experience that blends classroom growth with Caribbean charm. While salaries can vary depending on whether you land in an international school, a private bilingual school, or a language institute, the common thread is the chance to work in a place where education is valued and life moves at a gentler pace.
Yes, the pay might not always be as high as in Europe or the Middle East, but the balance between work and lifestyle is something many teachers treasure. Picture finishing your lessons, then heading out for fresh tropical fruit, dancing to merengue in the evening, or relaxing by the ocean on weekends, it’s a kind of richness that goes beyond numbers.
For teachers looking to build experience, embrace a vibrant culture, and live in a country where warmth is found both in the weather and in the people, the Dominican Republic offers an opportunity that feels as rewarding as it is unique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to speak Spanish to teach there?
Not always. At international and bilingual schools, English is the main teaching language. But having some Spanish helps with daily life and connecting with local staff, parents, and students.
2. What qualifications do I need?
For international schools you will need a teaching degree and some classroom experience. While for language institutes or bilingual schools a bachelor’s degree in any subject plus a TEFL/TESOL certificate is often enough.
3. Is it easy to find teaching jobs in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, especially for English teachers. Language institutes hire year-round, while international schools typically recruit before the school year (August/September).
4. How much can I expect to earn?
International schools earn $1,500 to $2,500 USD per month ( DOP 88,000 to 147,000), Bilingual/private schools earn $800 to $1,500 USD per month (DOP 47,000 to 88,000), Language institutes earn $500 to $900 USD per month (DOP 29,000 to 53,000)
5. Can I save money on a teacher’s salary?
It depends. If you’re working at an international school with benefits, yes, you can save. At smaller schools or institutes, you’ll live comfortably but may not save much.
6. Do schools help with visas?
Most international schools do. Language institutes sometimes hire on a tourist visa first, then assist later. It’s always best to confirm this before signing your contract.
7. What’s the school calendar like?
The academic year usually runs from August to June, with breaks at Christmas, Easter, and summer.
8. What’s life like as a teacher in the DR?
Most teachers say the lifestyle is one of the biggest perks like warm weather, friendly people, beach weekends, and a slower pace of life. It can take some adjusting, but many find it rewarding.
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