Employment

ISH is always looking to recruit great teachers. We are looking for people who can inspire students, teachers that are forward thinking and colleagues who want to work collaboratively.

To be considered for teaching/educational assistant positions at the International School of Helsinki all applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Minimally a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Master’s Degree preferred)
Teacher Certification/License
Minimally two full years of teaching experience post degree and certification (PYP, MYP and DP experience preferred). This is applicable to teaching positions.
Extract of criminal record as requested in § 3 Law of working with children, must be presented by applicants chosen for any position.
Please send all required documentation to only published jobs listed and to the following address: employment@ishelsinki.fi We do not review credentials or CVs not aligned with an open position.

CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS

Substitute Teacher Positions

The International School of Helsinki currently seeks teachers interested in being part of the school’s substitute teacher reserve list, who are available as and when short term needs arise at the school. Teachers with experience and expertise in all subject areas are encouraged to apply. Ideal substitute applicants have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university with a teaching qualification, and experience teaching in the IB programs. Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English.

Note that the school currently has a need for Finnish speaking substitute teachers. Please send a letter of interest, a current CV, and note your interest/expertise area(s) to employment@ishelsinki.fi.

Substitute teacher agreements between the Employer and the Employee are created for short-term temporary needs based on the leave or absence of other teachers, only at the time when needs arise.

Internship Positions

Please note that all internship positions for the 2024-2025 school year have been filled.

Internship applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted and reviewed in November 2024 – March 2025.

The International School of Helsinki is happy to work with Erasmus interns from all over the world in our Primary Years Programme. If you are an Erasmus student or potential Erasmus student, please forward your CV and a letter of interest to employment@ishelsinki.fi

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Wellbeing Coordinator

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Wellbeing Coordinator to lead our counselling team and contribute to the wellbeing and inclusion of our diverse student community. This role is critical in fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment aligned with IB principles and practices.

Are you passionate about student wellbeing and inclusion?
The Wellbeing Coordinator leads and manages the team of counsellors across the PYP, MYP, and Diploma programmes, ensuring students’ psychological, social, and emotional needs are met. This position involves mentoring staff, coordinating counselling services, and directly supporting students while promoting holistic wellbeing and belonging.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Leadership and Coordination

Lead and mentor the counselling team to deliver consistent, effective support across all IB programmes.
Collaborate with school leadership to align counselling strategies with IB inclusion and wellbeing principles.
Manage and coordinate psychological and social services, ensuring accessibility and equity for all students.

Student Support and Wellbeing

Oversee the implementation of a comprehensive social-emotional learning (SEL) programme.
Provide leadership in addressing crises and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.
Offer direct counselling services to students, with the specific time allocation determined in consultation with the Director of Student Support.

Professional Development and Community Engagement

Provide training for staff on SEL, mental health awareness, and wellbeing practices.
Facilitate workshops and resources for parents to support their children’s social-emotional development.
Build partnerships with external agencies to enhance support services for students and families.

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

Education: Master’s Degree (mandatory) in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years in counselling, SEL, or psychological services, preferably in an educational setting.
Certifications: Licensure or certification in counselling or psychology is highly desirable.
Skills: Expertise in counselling techniques, crisis management, and mental health support.
Familiarity: Experience with IB programmes and the local Finnish system is an advantage.
Language: Proficiency in English (CEFR Level C1 or higher); additional regional languages are a plus.

Child Protection & Safeguarding
ISH is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful candidates must 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 ISH’s values and IB inclusion principles.
A current CV.
Evidence of experience in fostering student wellbeing and managing counselling programmes.

Key Dates:

Application deadline: 24.2.2025
Start Date: August, 2025

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Learning Support Coordinator/Teacher (MYP and DP)
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 nearly 500 students representing diverse cultures and nationalities.

We seek a passionate and experienced Learning Support Coordinator/Teacher to join our team. This role is pivotal in promoting equity, inclusion, and access to the curriculum for all learners, ensuring alignment with IB principles.

Are you a champion of inclusion and access to learning?
At ISH, the Learning Support Coordinator/Teacher is critical in ensuring all students can meaningfully engage with the curriculum and foster inclusive practices that empower every learner. This position involves close collaboration with teachers, parents, students, and the Student Support Team (SST) to provide differentiated and individualized instruction that reflects the IB’s access and inclusion policies.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Learning Support Leadership

Lead and coordinate the Learning Support program, ensuring equitable access to education for all learners.
Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) that are aligned with IB access and inclusion policies.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to remove barriers to learning and ensure smooth curriculum access for students with diverse needs.
Work with external specialists and local agencies to support holistic and inclusive learning experiences.

Targeted Teaching and Support

Provide direct, individualized instruction to students, aligning teaching with IB learning goals and assessment criteria.
Adapt curriculum content and assessments to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring every student can fully engage with the IB curriculum.
Use data-driven strategies to monitor progress and refine learning plans.

In-Class Support and Co-Teaching

Collaborate with teachers to design and deliver inclusive lessons, incorporating inquiry-based and transdisciplinary strategies.
Implement co-teaching models to support curriculum access for all students.
Promote self-advocacy and learner agency to empower students and foster independence.

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, well-being, and autonomy.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
Experience: 5–10 years of experience in Learning Support, Special Education Needs (SEN), or Inclusion roles.
Certifications: SENCO or equivalent qualifications are highly advantageous.
Skills: Expertise in IB-aligned inclusive practices, differentiated teaching strategies, and curriculum adaptation.
Language: Proficiency in English (CEFR Level C1 or higher); additional regional languages are a plus.

Child Protection & Safeguarding
ISH is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and promoting children’s and young people’s welfare. Successful candidates must 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 ISH’s values and IB inclusion principles.
A current CV.
Evidence of experience in fostering inclusion and supporting access to the curriculum for all learners.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: 24/02/2025
Start Date: August, 2025

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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 applicant chosen for the position.

IB DP/MYP English Language & Literature Teacher

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 an experienced educator who is passionate about language,
literature and empowering every student?
We are seeking an experienced and motivated full time IB DP and MYP Language and
Literature teacher.

Key Responsibilities Include
● Delivering engaging and thought-provoking lessons aligned with the IB curriculum,
emphasizing inquiry, analysis, and intercultural understanding.
● Developing and integrating curriculum across subject areas.
● Fostering a student-centered approach that values academic rigor while prioritizing
well-being.
● Differentiating instruction to ensure that all students—regardless of background,
learning style, or ability—are both challenged and supported.
● Cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually stimulating classroom
environment where all voices are valued.
● Demonstrating a strong affinity for teaching at the DP and MYP age range.
● Encouraging students to explore literature and language critically, making
connections between texts and the world around them.
● Contributing to a collaborative and innovative faculty dedicated to student success
and lifelong learning.

What We Offer
This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a
vibrant and progressive international learning community. ISH is welcoming, with a faculty

committed to innovative and reflective teaching practices. The school offers competitive
compensation, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment
that emphasizes inclusion, wellbeing, and autonomy, and where diverse perspectives are
celebrated.

Qualifications
● Education: A degree (Master’s preferred) in pedagogy focused on English,
Literature, or a related field of study in the humanities.
● Certifications: Teacher certification.
● Experience: Minimum of 5 years teaching English Language and Literature,
preferably in an IB school, giving solid knowledge of the IB programmes.
● Skills: Expertise in IB-aligned teaching practices, effective interpersonal skills and a
positive approach to working with students, parents and teachers.
● Language: Master-level 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 must 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 ISH’s
values and IB inclusion principles.
A current CV where three references are listed, including one from your current
employer.
Evidence of experience in fostering student wellbeing and managing counselling
programmes.

Key Dates:
● Application Deadline: 24/02/2025

● Start Date: August, 2025
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.