Meet Emily Melville, an experienced ESL teacher, and writer at Wonderful World English. Emily is a devoted, CELTA-qualified English teacher who dedicates her time to sharing valuable insights into language learning for students and educators.
Have you ever wondered what teaching English in Spain would be like?
Spain is one of the top European Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) destinations for aspiring and seasoned teachers alike.
But where does the big desire come from?
And what’s it really like living and working in Spain?
Spain’s climate is one of the most significant factors in why people want to flock here, with bright sunny days, crisp, cool evenings, and hot weather perfect for beach-going in the summer.
Weather aside, it also offers a laid-back lifestyle, with a much slower and more enjoyable pace of life than other countries.
Applicants will require a teaching qualification such as a TEFL or CELTA certificate to teach English in Spain. A degree in any subject will be preferred, although not always needed. Once applicants meet the right criteria, they can begin applying for a visa and work permit (for non-EU citizens), and find a teaching position.
I am an experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and have been living in Spain for several years.
People who’ve moved to Spain will have found themselves in a work-to-live culture, valuing quality time with friends and family over climbing the career ladder and putting their all into their career development.
That’s not to say people don’t care about their professional careers here in Spain, but personal and family life tends to knock working life off the top spot on many Spanish peoples’ list of priorities.
It can be a wonderful experience for anyone who wants to enjoy what this fantastic country offers while helping their students achieve their language learning goals.
Today, we will explore exactly what you must do to teach English in Spain.
Let’s jump in!
How to Teach English in Spain
Applicants looking to teach English in Spain will need to meet the right criteria.
First and foremost, being able to work in the country legally is imperative.
Different schools may have different requirements, so check out the points below and see what a new potential employer may expect of you.
The main requirements to teach English in Spain are as follows:
1. Visa and Work Permit
The excellent news for EU citizens is that if you hold a passport for a country within the European Union, you will not require a visa or work permit to be able to work in Spain.
You will, however, need a NIE number, regardless of your visa status or nationality.
This stands for Número de Identidad de Extranjero (Foreigner’s Identification Number) and is used for identification and professional and social activity in the country.
You’ll need it to obtain residency, to open a bank account, to get a job, and for basically everything else you’ll end up doing in the country.
Regarding visas, if you hold non-EU citizenship, you will need a work visa to take on any professional activity in the country.
Click here to find out more about this process for non-EU citizens.
2. Teaching Qualification
Most teaching institutions will also require you to have a teaching certificate, like TEFL or CELTA.
However, some language schools (known as academies) may hire you without a TEFL or CELTA certificate.
Many certified schools offer TEFL courses in Spain if you don’t yet have a certificate.
Click here for extensive reviews of six TEFL training schools in Spain.
If you’re wondering about the difference between a TEFL and a CELTA qualification, the guide below is for you!
Related Article: What’s the Difference Between CELTA and TEFL? – The Guide
3. University Degree
Having a degree is not a necessity to work in a language academy, but make sure you find out the specific working requirements of your desired place of work beforehand.
Many will ask you for a degree, but don’t be disheartened if you don’t have one – there will still be work available for you, but remember that the English teaching job market is competitive so it might put you at a slight disadvantage.
4. Knowledge of Spanish (preferred)
Finally, although it’s not necessary for English teaching in Spain, it is helpful if you have some knowledge of Spanish.
Most big cities have a big English-speaking population, but this is not the case in smaller cities and towns.
Also, depending on your job responsibilities, you may be expected to perform some tasks in Spanish, such as speaking to your student’s parents or completing reports.
A good employer will help you with this, and may even offer you Spanish classes.
Having at least some language knowledge will help you understand your students and their parents better, feel more connected to them, and make daily life easier and more enjoyable.
Check out the link below for more insights into TEFL certificates and how to obtain one!
Related: TEFL Certificates: Your Guide to Teaching English Abroad
Teaching Institutions in Spain
Now we’ve looked at the requirements that schools in Spain look for in an applicant’s resume, let’s explore the different opportunities that may be available to you.
Applicants will have their own preferences on salary, student age, location, etc.
The institutions below are the largest employers of English teachers in Spain:
1. Language Academies
The majority of English teaching jobs in Spain are positions held in language academies, which are private language schools that mainly cater to children and teens but also tend to offer adult classes.
They typically run from Monday to Friday during the afternoons and evenings.
So don’t be taken aback when you find out your working schedule in an academy runs from 3 pm or 4 pm to 9 pm or 10 pm.
This is normal and the way that most academies are run.
Usually, mornings are spent planning lessons.
Most academies pay you for planning time, but be warned that some academies require you to complete your planning at the academy itself.
Others do not have this policy, and you can plan your classes at home or wherever you work best.
Make sure you check your contract carefully regarding planning time and payment.
Average monthly salaries in cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Barcelona generally range from €1,000 to €1,200 per month for 24 hours per week.
Teachersfriend.com
Remember that these private institutions offer English language support to students who attend their mainstream schools in the mornings, so another thing to bear in mind is how tired some kids can be – they’ve already faced a full day at school before coming to you!
To find a teaching position at a language academy in Spain, you can look at job posts such as Gooverseas.com, Glassdoor.com, and Teachaway.com.
Tips for Working in a Language Academy in Spain
Having worked in a language academy for four years, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your stint in an academy:
– Students can Struggle with Motivation
You may assume that kids at language academies are much more motivated because going to an academy is an ‘optional’ after-school activity.
Don’t be fooled – many students have little interest in English and don’t enjoy going to classes after school.
Many parents make their children go as they want them to reach a B1 level by their teenage years.
Having a B1 or B2 certificate is an important feat in Spain, and employees look upon you favorably as you start to break out of your student years and into the job market.
As well as this, for many students who want to continue their studies at university, having certification to show your language level is a requirement.
– Small Class Sizes
Class sizes are much smaller than standard schools, with classes usually holding up to 10-12 students.
I know what you’re thinking – what a relief! 10 students are certainly easier to manage than 30, but there is still much classroom management to get to grips with.
Don’t forget that working full-time at an academy will probably mean you’re teaching well over 8-10 different groups, which may be different ages.
Teaching an ‘infantil’ class of students between the ages of 3 and 5 will require very different classroom management techniques compared to a group of 14–15-year-olds.
– Thoroughly Inspect your Contract
Take a close look at your contract.
Most academies offer what’s known as a fijo discontinuo contract, which is a fixed discontinued contract.
This type of employment contract used in Spain combines elements of both permanent and temporary employment.
This contract is standard in industries where work demand fluctuates seasonally or intermittently, such as tourism, agriculture, and construction.
Click here for more information on English language teaching contracts in Spain.
2. International Schools
Apart from language academies, Spain is also home to various international schools that follow international curricula (such as the International Baccalaureate or the British curriculum).
These institutions often hire native English-speaking teachers for subjects other than just English, making it another desirable option for teachers, often for those with experience in primary or secondary schools in their home country.
International schoolteachers tend to earn an average of €15-20 per hour; so if you’re working full-time, with 25 hours of teaching per week, expect a take-home salary of €1,500-€2,000 (around $1,750-$2,300) per month.
TEFL.org
Often, these schools favor teachers with other teaching certifications, like a PGCE or equivalent.
To find an international school position in Spain, you can check out sites like Jooble.org.
You can also check out international school websites and apply directly.
If you’re considering a career in teaching ESL but you’re not quite sure if it’s the right path for you, check out the article below for some insights into this awesome adventure.
Related Article: Why Become an ESL Teacher? – 8 Best Reasons
3. Public schools
Public schools in Spain also hire English teachers, especially in regions with higher demand for English language instruction.
These positions often involve teaching students of various ages, from primary to secondary levels.
Job stability and benefits tend to be more attractive in public schools, which makes them a good option, but if you go down this route, you have to be prepared to take the country’s public service exam to qualify as someone who can work for the state.
This is known as ‘oposiciones’ and is notoriously difficult!
Your Spanish needs to be top-notch to pass the exam and work in a Spanish public school, so consider this if you aim to work in a Spanish public school.
The average pay for a Primary School Teacher is €37,177 a year and €18 an hour in Spain. The average salary range for a Primary School Teacher is between €26,433 and €44,947.
Erieri.com
4. Public Schools (Auxiliares de Conversación)
Finally, the Spanish government runs a program called “Auxiliares de Conversación” that recruits English-speaking individuals to work as language assistants in public schools.
The main focus is on speaking, as you are seen as a precious resource as a native (or near-native) speaker.
You will most likely lead speaking sessions or activities with small groups.
However, it isn’t uncommon for auxiliares de conversación to lead activities with the whole class if both the auxiliar and the main teacher agree.
Other duties may include conducting or preparing students for oral exams.
This program is top-rated among recent graduates and provides a unique cultural exchange experience.
The responsibilities are not as full-on as a class teacher, giving you more free time to explore the city where you reside and make the most of the experience.
The type of student you’ll teach depends greatly on the type of educational institution in which you’ll be working.
In most cases, if you teach English in Spain, you will teach children and teenagers, so keep this in mind.
Check out sites like Tes.com for public school positions in Spain.
5. Other Options
If your teaching style and experience favors adult education, you may find some opportunities in online teaching.
There are a number of online schools that offer classes to adults only, often focusing on English for professionals.
Alternatively, and it has to be said that they are few and far between, you may stumble upon job offers for on-site Business English classes, where you go to the place of work of professionals and teach them there.
Frequently, but not always, and depending on the city, this requires you to have your own transport, as you will be moving between teaching locations throughout the day.
This also may result in a staggered schedule and, consequently, a long day, starting with some classes in the morning and perhaps not having any more until the late afternoon or evening.
You can also look for volunteering opportunities and Summer camps if you are interested in teaching but are not sure you want to relocate full-time.
Conclusion
To sum up, teaching English in Spain offers a unique and rewarding experience.
The appeal of Spain’s climate, relaxed lifestyle, and work-to-live culture attract teachers from all over the world.
Make sure you explore all your options carefully.
Do your research about the schools and institutions you’re looking to work in.
It also pays to consider the type of institution that aligns with your teaching style – don’t be afraid to get in touch with the schools and ask more questions.
Teaching English in Spain opens doors to cultural exchange and personal growth, providing a fulfilling experience for those who choose to take on this exciting journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a recent graduate, Spain welcomes you with its warm climate, rich history, and diverse teaching opportunities.
We hope this helps you better understand how you can teach English in Spain in 2024.
Have a wonderful day!
Image Attribution: All images licensed via canva.com
