Teach in El Salvador

Options for teaching in El Salvador

Teaching English in El Salvador can be done in private language schools, many of which welcome new teachers. However, holding a recognized TEFL certificate is usually required in order to teach English in larger language institutes. Public schools in El Salvador may also hire English teachers, though on a volunteer basis.

Teachers who hold a license in their home state or country can consider teaching in El Salvador’s private international schools.

Most paid teaching jobs in El Salvador are in the more densely populated urban areas, such as San Salvador. However, for teachers who are more interested in living in El Salvador’s rural areas and villages, there are many volunteer teaching jobs. Devastated by more than a decade of civil war throughout the 80s and early 90s, the country is in a state of economic development but still remains impoverished in many areas. Volunteer groups bring English and IT education to developing areas in order for all Salvadorans to advance in the modern world.

Salaries for paid teaching jobs in El Salvador vary largely depending on certification and previous experience. Licensed teachers working for international schools can expect to make a good local living wage. In language institutes, TEFL-certified teachers with previous experience teaching ESL are more competitive and will usually earn higher wages than new teachers. In general, teachers in paid teaching jobs earn enough to live modestly, with more experienced teachers finding that they are often able to save a little money at the end of the month.

Public schools in El Salvador hold classes from February through November, with hiring usually occurring during the holiday period of November-December. However, teaching jobs in language institutes hire year-round, with new vacancies opening frequently.

Qualifications to teach in El Salvador

Candidates will need a Bachelor’s degree in order to teach in El Salvador. ESL certification, such as a TEFL, is not required for many teaching jobs, although it is often required (or very highly preferred) for paid teaching jobs in the country’s larger language institutes.

Visas for teachers in El Salvador

When arranging a work visa for teaching jobs in El Salvador, teachers will need to keep in communication with their Teach Away placement coordinator to ensure that all required documents are received by the school and translated if necessary. Employers are usually required to submit the visa application to the government, although it is ultimately the teacher’s responsibility to make sure that the application is complete and correct.

Housing in El Salvador

Accommodation is not usually included when teaching in El Salvador, but it’s not difficult to find a one-bedroom apartment for around $150-300 per month, particularly when living outside of a major city. Though the majority of paid teaching jobs are in the capital of San Salvador, the cost of rent can be kept lower by choosing a neighborhood outside of the city center and one that is not as heavily populated by ex-pats.

Things to do in El Salvador

Although El Salvador is Central America’s smallest country (a little smaller than the US state of Massachusetts), it is bursting with some of the world’s most diverse wildlife, including some species that cannot be found anywhere else outside of the nation’s narrow borders. A visit to one of the country’s national parks can yield sightings of monkeys, armadillos, rare jaguars, and hundreds of species of tropical birds. Sadly, much of El Salvador’s rainforest underwent severe deforestation in previous decades, although citizens are working hard to ensure that the current rainforest is preserved.

El Salvador also boasts incredible beaches, which are said to have some of the best surfing in the world. Grab a board and take advantage of your time here by learning to surf on La Costa del Sol or El Sunzal. More advanced surfers may want to head to the world-class beaches of El Tunco or Punta Roca.

Tap into El Salvador’s creative spirit by visiting San Salvador’s Mercado Nacional de Artesanias, where you’ll find many local artisans selling textiles, wood carvings, and pottery.

Take your time as you shop for something uniquely Salvadoran.

Many private schools in El Salvador require applicants to possess a TEFL certificate. The University of Toronto’s TEFL Online Certificate can help you become a leading candidate for some of the top El Salvadorian private school positions.

Register for a teacher account to apply for teaching jobs in El Salvador.