How to Get English Teaching Jobs in Spain
If you want to teach English in Spain, you need a practical job-search strategy. Your options include applying to language schools, finding private students, building local contacts and completing a recognised TEFL qualification.
EBC offers Trinity CertTESOL training, Trinity CertPT courses for practising teachers, and worldwide job-placement assistance for EBC graduates. This support can help you navigate the job market, but it does not guarantee employment or a particular start date.
If you want to combine teacher training with Spanish language study, explore the EBC Road2Spain programme. It combines TEFL training with a Spanish language and culture programme. Visa eligibility and any permission to work depend on the programme and the applicable Spanish immigration rules, so confirm the current conditions before enrolling.
Make Finding English Teaching Jobs in Spain Easier with EBC
Finding work independently takes time. You need to research schools, identify vacancies, prepare applications, contact employers and follow up on opportunities. EBC’s worldwide job-placement assistance helps reduce that workload for EBC graduates.
Instead of managing every step alone, you can access support with your job search. EBC can share your CV with partner schools that may be interested in your profile, based on your preferred location and circumstances. Interested schools decide whether to contact you, and the outcome depends on their requirements and available vacancies.
The service is available to EBC graduates and continues for life, at no additional charge. It does not guarantee a job, an interview, or a specific start date, but it provides ongoing support as you look for English teaching opportunities in Spain and elsewhere.
Not all TEFL course providers offer job-placement assistance, so check what support is included before choosing a course. Instead of managing every step alone, you can access support with your job search. EBC can share your CV with partner schools that may be interested in your profile, based on your preferred location and circumstances.
Not everyone uses a training provider or job-placement service. If you plan to find work independently, you will need to research employers, make suitable applications and build contacts in the area where you want to teach.
The key to finding English teaching work in Spain is to understand the local market rather than assume that every country hires teachers in the same way.
Table of Contents
- Why walking into language schools may not work
- How to find English teaching jobs in Spain
- How to find private English students locally
- What to include on a flyer for English lessons
- Safety and local rules when advertising
- Qualifications and job-search support
Why Walking into Language Schools May Not Work
Visiting a language school without an appointment is not always the best way to find work. Reception staff may not handle recruitment, and a school that is not hiring may have no reason to accept an unsolicited CV.
Before visiting a school, check its website and social media for vacancies. If you cannot find a recruitment contact, send a concise email asking whether the school accepts applications from prospective teachers.
You can also call ahead to ask whether the school is recruiting and whom you should contact. This approach helps you use your time efficiently and makes it easier for the right person to review your application.
EBC also operates an English language school. You can visit the EBC Idiomas website to learn more about its language-school activities.
Employers set their own requirements for teaching qualifications and experience. Some prefer candidates with a recognised initial teaching qualification and assessed teaching practice. Others may have additional requirements based on the students they teach and the courses they offer.
The Trinity CertTESOL is an internationally recognised initial teacher-training qualification. It is accepted by the British Council for teaching roles in its accredited teaching organisations, although individual employers and vacancies may impose other requirements. Read the British Council’s published teacher requirements for an example of the qualifications it expects of its own teachers.
How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Spain
Personal recommendations can help you find teaching opportunities in Spain. Local contacts may know families looking for a tutor, businesses that need English lessons or schools that plan to recruit.
Start by telling friends, neighbours, former colleagues and other local contacts that you offer English lessons. Be specific about the ages you teach, your availability and whether you offer individual or group classes.
Online community groups and local noticeboards can also help you reach potential students. Check each group’s rules before advertising, and keep your message clear and professional.
Word-of-mouth referrals can build trust, especially when students recommend you to friends or relatives. Reliable teaching, clear communication and punctuality help you earn those recommendations over time.
If you want a salaried position at a language school, use a separate job-search strategy. Search for current vacancies, prepare a tailored CV and explain how your qualifications and teaching practice match the employer’s needs.
How to Find Private English Students Locally
Private lessons can provide another route into English teaching. If you live in Spain and want to attract students in your neighbourhood, try a combination of local advertising, personal recommendations and online community groups.
In some Spanish neighbourhoods, residents use local shops, community spaces and noticeboards to find nearby services. A simple flyer may help people discover that you offer English lessons, provided you place it where advertising is permitted.
Before printing flyers, identify the students you want to teach. You might offer conversation practice for adults, support for school pupils, exam preparation or Business English for professionals. A clear offer helps prospective students decide whether your lessons meet their needs.
Start with a small number of flyers or local online posts. Track the enquiries you receive and adjust your wording, availability or price if necessary. Demand varies by location, season, competition and the type of lessons you offer, so no single advertising method guarantees results.
What to Include on a Flyer for English Lessons
A good flyer should tell potential students who you are, what you teach, when you are available and how they can contact you. Keep the wording concise and use Spanish if you want to reach people who may not be confident reading English.
The following phrases can help you prepare a simple Spanish-language flyer. Adapt them to your qualifications, services and actual availability.
- Profesor de inglés / Profesora de inglés: English teacher.
- Vivo en el barrio: I live in the neighbourhood.
- Licenciado / Licenciada: Degree holder. Use this only if it accurately describes your qualifications.
- Titulación de enseñanza de inglés reconocida: Recognised English-teaching qualification.
- Ofrezco clases de inglés: I offer English lessons.
- Inglés general o de negocios: General or Business English.
- Clases particulares o en grupo: Individual or group lessons.
- Horario flexible: Flexible timetable.
- Precio: XX euros por hora: Price: XX euros per hour.
- Llame al [su número de teléfono]: Call [your phone number].
You can also include your available hours. In Spain, the 24-hour clock is widely used, so you could write 15:00–16:00 instead of 3 pm–4 pm.
Research the rates charged by other teachers in your area before setting your price. Consider your experience, qualifications, lesson format, travel time and the needs of your intended students. You can review your rate as you learn more about local demand.
Safety and Local Rules When Advertising
Take care when publishing your personal details. You do not need to put your home address on a flyer. A phone number or professional email address is usually enough to let prospective students contact you.
Arrange an initial meeting in a suitable public place or use a video call before agreeing on the details of private lessons. If you decide to teach at a student’s home, tell someone you trust where you are going and consider the circumstances before accepting the arrangement.
Check local rules before displaying printed advertisements. Do not assume that you can attach flyers to lampposts, walls, bus stops, shop windows or other public property. Councils and property owners may restrict advertising, and unauthorised posters can lead to their removal or a fine.
Where possible, use designated noticeboards, local businesses that permit advertising, community groups or online listings that allow service advertisements.
Qualifications and Job-Search Support
A recognised teaching qualification can strengthen your applications for English teaching jobs in Spain. Look for training that includes teaching methodology, lesson planning, language awareness, feedback and assessed teaching practice with real learners.
The EBC Trinity CertTESOL course prepares trainees for an initial career in English language teaching. If you already teach and want to develop specialist skills, explore the Trinity CertPT courses.
Your next steps will depend on the roles you want to pursue. Private language schools, public-sector programmes, international schools and private tutoring may have different qualification, experience and eligibility requirements. Always check the requirements for the specific position rather than assuming that one certificate meets every employer’s criteria.
If you graduate from an EBC course, you can also access EBC’s worldwide job-placement assistance. This service is available to EBC graduates and offers ongoing support with job searches. It does not guarantee a job, an interview or a particular salary.
If you are considering moving to Spain as part of your training, read about the EBC study-abroad and teach-abroad programmes. Check the current programme details and official Spanish immigration requirements before making plans based on visa or work permissions.
Finding English teaching work in Spain takes preparation, persistence and a realistic understanding of the local market. A suitable qualification, targeted applications and reliable professional contacts can all help you build your opportunities.
If you would like to discuss your training options, contact EBC to ask about the courses and support available.