Teaching jobs in Turkey 2024 | latest jobs openings here

Did you know that Turkey, a country renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity, is also becoming a global hub for education? Yes, you heard it right. The demand for qualified teachers in Turkey has skyrocketed in recent years, making it a hot spot for educators worldwide.

This surge is not just a random occurrence. It’s a result of Turkey’s strategic efforts to enhance its education system and global standing. The country is investing heavily in education, with a particular emphasis on hiring foreign teachers to bring diverse teaching methods and perspectives.

This article will provide you with information on a number of topics, including the need for teachers in Turkey, the teaching posts that are currently open, the highest-paying teaching roles in Turkey in 2024, salaries and compensation packages, and much more.

The Demand for Teachers in Turkey

In Turkey, there’s a consistent demand for teachers across different subjects and regions. The main areas of demand include:

English Language Teachers: Needed in language schools, private institutions, and universities.
STEM Teachers: Particularly in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
Special Education Teachers: To support diverse learning needs.
Vocational Education Teachers: Especially in fields like technology, healthcare, tourism, and agriculture.
Foreign Language Teachers: Besides English, languages like German, French, Arabic, and Russian are sought after.
Teachers in Remote Areas: Shortages exist due to various factors, creating opportunities for educators.
Early Childhood Educators: With increasing emphasis on early childhood education, there’s a need for qualified preschool teachers.

These demands may vary based on qualifications, experience, and government policies.

Currently available teaching positions in Turkey

Here are some teaching job opportunities in Turkey:

Secondary ICT / Computing Teacher (with 2nd subject PE or Maths) in Ankara
Secondary English Teacher (with 2nd subject PE, Maths or ICT/Computing) in Ankara
Secondary Maths Teacher (with 2nd subject PE or ICT / Computing) in Ankara
Primary Class Teacher (Upper KS2) in Ankara
Early Childhood Teacher at MEF International Schools, Istanbul
General Science Teacher at MEF International Schools, Istanbul
ELL Teacher at MEF International Schools, Istanbul

Turkey’s top paying teaching positions in 2024

In 2024, the pay rates for teaching jobs in Turkey can vary significantly. Here are some general estimates:

ESL Teachers: ESL teachers in Turkey can expect to earn between $1,000 and $1,800 per month, depending on qualifications and experience.
Private Tutoring: Some schools advertise teaching jobs at 100 Turkish lira an hour.
High Paying Roles: Other roles can pay up to 75,000 lira a month.
International School Teachers: Qualified international school teachers in Turkey can expect to earn $2,500 – 3,000 USD per month, on average. However, some top international schools in Turkey do pay a higher monthly salary, ranging from $4,000 – 5,000 USD.

Qualifications and Requirements for Teaching Jobs

To qualify for teaching jobs in Turkey, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

Education: Most schools in Turkey require English teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field such as education, linguistics, or English.
Language proficiency: You need to be fluent in English, as you will be teaching it to students in Turkey. Some knowledge of Turkish may be required in some cases, but it’s not always necessary.
Teaching experience: Many schools in Turkey prefer to hire teachers with some teaching experience, although this is not always required. If you are a recent graduate or have limited teaching experience, you may still be able to find opportunities to teach English in Turkey.
TEFL certification: Many schools in Turkey require their English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, which demonstrates your knowledge of teaching English to non-native speakers. There are various types of TEFL certifications available, and you can usually complete a course online or in person.
Visa: If you are not a Turkish citizen, you will need to obtain a work visa to teach English in Turkey.

In addition to these, you may also need to provide the following documents:

Valid passport
International Resume and Cover Letter
Original TEFL Certificate
Original university diploma
Proof of funds for Residence Permit
Passport photos
College transcripts (recommended but not necessarily required)
Background Check (some schools may ask for this)

Teaching English in Turkey can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture, and develop your professional skills, and personal growth.

The average salary for an English teacher in Turkey is about $550 – $1,150 USD per month

Application Process for Teaching Jobs

The application process for teaching jobs in Turkey typically involves the following steps:

1. Job Search:

Start by looking for teaching job vacancies in Turkey. You can do this by checking online job boards, the websites of schools and educational institutions, and social media platforms.

2. Application Submission:

Once you find a job that suits your qualifications and interests, you will need to submit an application. This usually involves sending an international resume and cover letter, and sometimes, schools may ask for additional documents such as your original TEFL certificate, university diploma, passport photos, and college transcripts.

3. Interview:

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. This could be conducted in-person if you are already in Turkey, or online if you are applying from abroad.

4. Job Offer:

If the interview goes well and the school decides to hire you, you will receive a job offer. This will include details about your salary, work schedule, and other benefits.

5. Work Permit Application:

After accepting the job offer, you will need to apply for a work visa if you are not a Turkish citizen. This process involves submitting various documents and may take some time, so it’s advisable to start as soon as possible.

6. Preparation for Arrival:

Once your work permit is approved, you can start preparing for your move to Turkey. This includes arranging for accommodation, packing, and informing your family and friends about your move

Popular Locations for Teaching Jobs

Turkey boasts a diverse range of cities offering vibrant teaching opportunities.

1. Istanbul

As Turkey’s cultural and economic hub, Istanbul attracts educators from around the globe. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and bustling atmosphere, teaching in Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience.

2. Ankara

As the capital city, Ankara offers a more laid-back pace compared to Istanbul while still providing ample teaching opportunities. With its modern infrastructure and thriving expat community, Ankara is an attractive destination for educators seeking a balanced lifestyle.

3. Izmir

Nestled along the Aegean coast, Izmir combines coastal charm with urban sophistication. Teaching in Izmir provides access to stunning beaches, historical sites, and a welcoming local community.

Typical interview questions for Turkish teaching positions

Here are some common interview questions you might encounter when applying for a teaching job in Turkey:

1. What is your educational philosophy?

This question is designed to understand your approach to teaching and what you hope to achieve in the classroom.

2. What do you enjoy most about teaching?

This question helps the interviewer understand your passion for teaching and your motivation for pursuing a career in education.

3. Questions about your teaching career:

If you have teaching experience, you will be asked to describe your past work as a teacher. If you are new to teaching or have just completed your TESOL certificate, be truthful.

4. Questions about why you like teaching:

The interviewer wants to understand your enthusiasm for the job. Turks value interpersonal relationships, so describing how teaching enables you to work directly with your students in an engaging way is a good tactic.

5. Questions about your previous jobs:

Turks value loyalty, so a resume that indicates frequent job-hopping may be problematic. If this question pops up, avoid any mention of problems with employers, especially if they are also Turks

6. Questions about your classroom philosophy:

Turkish students can be extremely talkative and this question may be an attempt to assess how well you’ll deal with a boisterous group of students

7. Questions about your teacher training:

Be prepared to talk up your teaching education as much as you can. Teaching is a valued profession in Turkey

Benefits and Challenges of Teaching in Turkey

Here’s an overview of the benefits and challenges of teaching in Turkey:

Benefits

Teaching in Turkey offers competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a vibrant cultural experience. Teachers also enjoy generous vacation time and may receive benefits such as accommodation and health insurance.

Challenges

Adapting to a new cultural environment, navigating language barriers, and adjusting to different teaching methodologies are common challenges faced by expatriate teachers in Turkey.

Salaries and Compensation Packages

The salaries and compensation packages for teaching jobs in Turkey can vary depending on the type of institution and the teacher’s qualifications and experience. Here are some general ranges:

Language Schools: Teachers at language schools can expect to earn between $600 – $1,100 USD per month.
International Schools: Qualified international school teachers in Turkey can expect to earn $2,500 – 3,000 USD per month on average. However, a number of top international schools in Turkey do pay a higher monthly salary, ranging from $4,000 – 5,000 USD.
Universities/Colleges: University and college jobs are hard to come by in Turkey, but if you manage to secure a position, you could earn between $1,500 – $2,000 USD per month.

These salaries are typically coupled with a comprehensive benefits package, which can include housing assistance, health insurance, and flight reimbursement. The cost of living in Turkey is relatively low, so these salaries will generally allow teachers to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Teaching Opportunities for Expats

There are several teaching opportunities available for expats in Turkey. Here are some of them:

Private Language Schools: These schools are the primary job option available to English teachers who don’t speak Turkish. They offer positions ranging from teaching young children through to adults in various settings: private language lessons, group lessons, weekend classes, and conversation lessons.
Private Tutoring: Many teachers pick up private tutoring on the side, but it’s also possible to be a freelance private tutor in Turkey as well.
Summer Camps: These are seasonal opportunities where you can teach English to children and teenagers.
International Schools and Universities: These institutions offer comprehensive salary and benefits packages for licensed and experienced teachers. Teaching jobs in these institutions typically range from kindergarten to secondary school placements. Occasionally, teacher-support staff jobs (guidance counselor, learning support) and administrative roles (principals, vice-principals, head of faculty) are also available.
Online Teaching: With the rise of digital platforms, online teaching has become a popular option. You can teach English to Turkish students from anywhere in the world.

Work Culture and Environment

Turkish schools typically have a collaborative work culture, with educators and administrators working together to support student learning and development. Teachers are valued members of the community and often form close bonds with students and colleagues.

Work Visa and Legal Requirements

Foreign nationals working in Turkey are required to obtain a work visa and residence permit. The application process may vary depending on your nationality and the type of employment contract.

Advice for Getting Hired in Turkey as a Teacher

Here are some tips for success in teaching jobs in Turkey:

Understand the Requirements: To teach English in Turkey, you should have native English speaking proficiency, a TEFL certificate, and a Bachelor’s degree. Some schools may require prior teaching experience and knowledge of Turkish.
Choose the Right Job Type: Private language schools are a primary job option for English teachers who don’t speak Turkish. You can also consider private tutoring.
Apply in Person: Many schools prefer to interview teachers in person. The hiring process can take as little as a few weeks.
Adapt to Cultural and Language Differences: Understanding Turkish culture, traditions, and language can be a significant adjustment for teachers coming from abroad.
Research the School: When looking for a TESOL job in Turkey, it’s recommended to research the school you’re thinking of applying to.
Be Open-Minded and Adventurous: Expat life in Turkey can be a daunting experience, and it’s a destination that’s best suited for those with an open mind and a sense of adventure

FAQs

How can I find teaching job openings in Turkey?

Research online job portals, recruitment agencies, and school websites for current job listings. Networking with other educators and joining expat communities can also provide valuable leads.

What qualifications do I need to teach in Turkey?

Generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, along with relevant teaching certifications. Proficiency in Turkish or English may also be required, depending on the position.

What is the average salary for teachers in Turkey?

Salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location, but teachers in Turkey can expect to earn a competitive salary with additional benefits.

Is teaching in Turkey suitable for expats?

Yes, Turkey welcomes expat teachers and provides support with visa applications, residency permits, and cultural integration. With its diverse opportunities and vibrant culture, Turkey offers an enriching experience for expat educators.

What challenges might I face while teaching in Turkey?

Language barriers, cultural differences, and adapting to a new education system are common challenges for expat teachers in Turkey. However, with patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude, these challenges can be overcome.