Teaching English in Israel: Salary, Qualification, Jobs

Teaching abroad always has been a popular decision for ESL teachers to make. It is a great chance to build or begin one’s teaching career while saving money and traveling to new places. Although not every country is suitable for saving money, still they all give a unique experience. As an English teacher, you will be able to interact with people from different cultures, visit popular travel destinations, and try different food and activities. If this sounds like something you would like to do, consider teaching English in Israel.

Israel is a country in the Middle East but is in the middle of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Many of us will know Israel as a country that has a long history of political conflicts. It is also a country famous for its history and religion, which are unfortunately also the reasons for the conflicts. Therefore, many people assume Israel to be dangerous to live in because of the political turbulence. However, day-to-day living in Israel is safe. Therefore, this should not be a problem if you are considering teaching English in Israel.

Israel is the world’s only Jewish country and is famous for the holy city, Jerusalem. It is a very meaningful city for all Jewish, Christian, and Muslim people. There are more famous religious sites and tourist areas other than Jerusalem. Does this make you want to teach ESL in Israel?

Teaching English in Israel

Not only is Israel a hot spot for religious tourism, but it is also a popular travel destination among young people because of the beautiful beaches and adventurous activities. Compared to Western countries, Israel has a relatively young population, which can add much fun to the journey.

Furthermore, Israel has a great demand for English teachers. Learning English is compulsory from elementary school fourth year. However, students in Israel actually begin their English education in the third year. Therefore, it is a great place for ESL instructors to teach abroad.

There is a list of requirements and qualifications you want to make sure you meet before deciding to teach English in Israel. If you are interested in the ESL job opportunities in Israel, continue reading.

Requirements for Teaching English in Israel

These are the minimum requirements you want to meet in order to find an ESL teaching job in Israel.

• College or university degree
• Prior teaching experience or TEFL certificate
• Fluency in Hebrew

If you want to teach in Israel, you must be able to speak, read, and write in Hebrew. Ulpan is a Hebrew education program recommended by the Ministry of Education of Israel. The Ulpan classes are available throughout Israeli cities and in various other locations. However, you also have the option to learn Hebrew online if you prefer learning languages online.

You will also need a university degree from an institute that teaches its courses in English. Although a TEFL certificate is not required, it will make you a stronger candidate. It is not a required qualification because the Ministry of Education of Israel will require teachers to be certified in an Israeli program anyways. However, it is a great way to show you that you are a certified and qualified teacher eligible to teach English in Israel or anywhere in the world.

English Teaching Jobs in Israel

You can find an English teaching job in Israel in a few different places. Take a look at the list of options and see which one suits you the most.

Public or Private Schools

Private or public, all elementary schools are managed by the Ministry of Education. Therefore, the government agency is in charge of hiring English teachers. This means that you won’t be applying to individual schools. Instead, you will directly apply to the government agency and will be placed in one of the private or public elementary schools in Israel.

Unlike elementary schools, high schools run independently. Thus, if you are interested in teaching English at a high school in Israel, you will need to apply separately to each school. A full-time teaching position at an elementary school teaches 30 hours per week, and a full-time position at a high school teaches 24 hours a week.

Private Tutoring

Similar to many other countries, private tutoring in Israel is also a great way to make extra cash. Israel is one of the most educated countries in the world. Parents care about the success of their children. Therefore, there is a high demand for private English tutors. The downside of private tutoring is that it isn’t as stable as a full-time job at a school.

Additionally, you can be hired by companies who want their employees to improve their business English skills. Many adults in Israel want to learn English for better job opportunities. If you prefer tutoring adults over children, this can be a better option.

Teaching Program: Masa Israel Teaching Fellows

Masa Israel Teaching Fellows (MITF) is a partnership program between Masa Israel Journey and the Ministry of Education. It is a great fellowship program for post-college young adults (21-35 years old) who are willing to give back to the community while enjoying new experiences. Passionate and dedicated adults will come to Israel to teach English to underserved communities.

The program is approximately 26 to 52 weeks long. The price of the program includes accommodations, activity expenses, meals, and visas. However, these can be partial. For further information and to see if you qualify, contact Masa Israel.

Salary for ESL Jobs in Israel

The base salary for teachers in Israel is quite low. The average base salary for teaching English in Israel is between 500 to 700 USD per month. However, you can receive bonuses depending on your prior experiences, certifications, and other conditions. Sometimes, employers or schools will give bonuses for attending certain conferences and workshops. Unfortunately, if you are a teacher with not so much experience, your base salary will stay low. In this case, private tutoring can be a great way to supplement the low income. Because you can set a higher hourly salary for private tutoring, it can be pretty lucrative.

Things to Consider When Teaching in Israel

Although the base salary is low, the cost of living in Israel is quite high. There is a chance of schools rewarding teachers with stipends for accommodation. Yet, it is not guaranteed. Therefore, you want to figure out ways to lower your cost of living by finding a roommate. It is also a smart idea to bring start-up costs before moving to Israel.

FAQ About Teaching English in Israel

Here is a quick guide to some commonly asked questions about being an English teacher in Ecuador.

Do Israeli schools teach English?

English is a compulsory subject in Israeli schools. Students in Israel are required to learn English starting in fourth grade. However, most Israeli students begin their English education in third grade.

How do I teach English in Israel?

In order to teach in Israel, teachers need a university degree and a teaching certificate. Unlike in other countries, a TEFL certificate is not enough. It is certainly a great way to prove your competency, but Israel requires teachers to obtain an Israeli teaching certificate that is recognized by the Ministry of Education.

How much do English teachers make in the Middle East?

The average salary of English teachers in the Middle East is between 1,800 and 5,500 USD per month. However, Israel’s base salary for teaching English is quite low as it is between 500 and 700 USD per month.

Does Israel need English teachers?

English teachers are in high demand in Israel. Because Israel students begin their English education as early as in third or fourth grade, there are many job opportunities in elementary and high schools. Additionally, parents are happy to hire English teachers for private tutor classes. Students are willing to learn English, and adults are willing to improve their English proficiencies. Some companies will hire teachers to give ESL classes to their employees for business English skills.

Should I Teach English in Israel?

Deciding whether to teach English in Israel is a personal choice that depends on various factors. Here are a few points to consider when making your decision:

Demand for English teachers

English is widely spoken and studied in Israel, so there is a demand for English teachers, particularly in private language schools, universities, and companies that offer English instruction. You may find opportunities to teach a range of students, including children, teenagers, and adults.

Cultural experience

Teaching English in Israel can provide you with a unique cultural experience. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Israeli society, interact with locals, and gain insights into their traditions, history, and way of life.

Language proficiency

While English is studied in Israel, it’s important to note that Hebrew is the country’s official language. Familiarizing yourself with basic Hebrew phrases can be helpful for day-to-day interactions, but fluency in Hebrew is not typically required to teach English.

Security situation

Israel has a complex geopolitical situation, and there can be occasional security concerns. It’s crucial to stay informed about the current situation and make decisions based on your comfort level and the advice of reliable sources.

Teaching opportunities and remuneration

The availability of teaching positions and the salary can vary depending on factors such as your qualifications, experience, and the specific location within Israel. Researching the job market and contacting potential employers or recruitment agencies can provide you with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available.

Work permits and visa requirements

If you’re not an Israeli citizen, you’ll need to obtain the necessary work permits and visas to teach legally in Israel. Research the requirements and procedures involved to ensure you can navigate the process effectively.