English Teaching Jobs in
Portugal

Public schools

While it’s harder for foreign teachers to break into the public school system in Portugal, there are still opportunities. The best way to find English teaching jobs in Portuguese state schools is by being local - they’re rarely advertised outside of the immediate area. You’ll be up against plenty of Portuguese teachers, after all.

To be considered, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, and plenty of teaching experience. Being proficient in Portuguese is also crucial.

International schools

With many international schools in Portugal available, highly qualified and experienced teachers would be remiss not to look at their options across Lisbon, the Algarve, Porto and beyond. Predominantly following UK, USA or International Baccalaureate programmes, international schools in Portugal are widespread, offering excellent salaries and benefits, including accommodation, paid holidays and - in some cases - flights. 

Of course, the requirements for English teachers at international schools in Portugal are lofty. You’ll need at least a master’s - usually in a specific English or educational field - as well as a TEFL certificate and several years of teaching experience.

Private language schools

One of the more common ESL jobs for those teaching abroad in Portugal is working at private language schools. While the standard of English education in Portugal is high, there are still plenty of students who want to work on specific learning goals or might’ve missed out on English lessons for whatever reason. If you’re interested in teaching English to enthusiastic adult learners, private language schools are the best route to take. 

Given that adult learners are the primary demographic, classes usually take place in the evenings or on weekends. Flexibility is key for English teachers who opt for language schools, and it’s not just in terms of their availability. Being able to teach a range of subjects within English is highly desired, so be prepared for all sorts of interesting questions and demands. If you have advanced TEFL certification, it certainly helps, as does a bachelor’s degree, but you don’t always need a litany of ESL jobs on your CV to get moving.

Private tutoring

If you want to teach English in Portugal to small groups, or one-to-one, private tutoring is the way to go. Not only does private tutoring afford flexibility in terms of your schedule, but it also means you can teach English to a range of different clients. 

Like private language schools, you’re usually going to teach English to adult learners. However, you're also likely to be teaching English to school kids who are looking to get ahead in class. The more qualified and experienced you are, the better. Therefore, a TEFL certificate or two (advanced TEFL certification is always helpful!) is crucial. Still, the demand is such that you’ll find yourself teaching plenty of students quickly - provided you’re a self-starter who can advertise well.

Bear in mind that you can find plenty of work teaching English online. If you already have a job teaching English that you commute to during the day, you can teach English online during the evenings to increase your income. Whether you're teaching abroad or teaching English online, it's important to remember to find a schedule that works for you: don't overwhelm yourself!