Join our Team
At the International School of Tallinn (IST), we pride ourselves on having a diverse and experienced team from various backgrounds and nationalities. We value critical and creative thinking, open-mindedness, and integrity. If you believe you would be a great addition to the IST team, we invite you to explore our current job openings and apply by using our online application form.
If you have any questions please contact us by email hr@ist.ee
Be sure to include the desired position, references, and salary expectations in your application. We look forward to welcoming new talented professionals to our team!
Vacancies:
HR Operations Manager
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced HR Manager to lead and manage all HR operations across the employee lifecycle. The role combines strategic HR leadership with hands-on daily operations, including coordinating teacher substitutions. This is a key role in ensuring smooth school functioning, compliance, and staff support.
Key Responsibilities
Teacher Substitutions & Cover Management
- Coordinate daily teacher substitutions due to absences.
- Use timetable software to identify and assign suitable covers.
- Maintain a pool of substitute teachers and track cover hours.
- Communicate changes promptly with teachers, administration, and leadership.
Recruitment & Staffing
- Plan and manage international recruitment for teaching and non-teaching staff.
- Coordinate interviews, offers, and employment contracts.
- Support workforce planning together with school leadership.
Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle
- Manage onboarding for new staff, including documentation, system access, and induction.
- Oversee probation periods, contract renewals, role changes, and exits.
- Conduct exit processes and interviews.
International Staff Coordination
- Coordinate international hires in cooperation with an external relocation partner (visas, permits, relocation process).
- Ensure smooth integration of international employees into the school community.
Contracts, Compliance & Records
- Draft, maintain, and update employment contracts.
- Ensure compliance with local labor law, education regulations, and internal policies.
- Maintain accurate employee records in HR systems.
Training, Certifications & Development
- Organize and track mandatory training (e.g. safeguarding, first aid, IB training).
- Track teaching licenses, certificates, and renewal deadlines.
- Support professional development initiatives.
HR Systems & Performance
- Manage HR systems (Directo, EHIS, leave tracking, payroll coordination).
- Coordinate annual and mid-year performance reviews.
- Prepare HR reports for school leadership and audits.
Requirements
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Proven experience in HR management, preferably in an international environment.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
- Readiness and motivation to learn about the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework and understand how it impacts staffing, contracts, and professional development.
- Interest in and openness to AI-driven and digital HR solutions (e.g. Directo, automation, data-driven decision-making, scheduling tools).
- Experience working with HR systems and timetable/scheduling software, or strong ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage time-sensitive daily tasks (including substitutions).
- Strong communication skills in English and Estonian.
- Ability to balance structured HR work with hands-on operational work in a fast-paced school environment.
What We Offer
Mentor support during the transition period to ensure smooth onboarding and integration into the school culture and systems.
Competitive salary based on experience and performance.
High level of autonomy and responsibility.
Supportive leadership and collaborative culture.
Opportunity to be a part of รlemiste City community and HR network
A collaborative and innovative working environment in a new school building.
Advanced health insurance and/or sports compensation.
Professional development.
LEARNING SUPPORT / SEN SPECIALIST
Role & Responsibilities
As a Learning Support / SEN Specialist, you will:
- Provide targeted support to students across the IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) with diverse learning needs.
- Design and implement individualized learning plans (IEPs/ILPs) in collaboration with teachers, parents, and the school psychologists.
- Work closely with classroom teachers to adapt curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure inclusive access to learning.
- Support students in developing academic skills, executive functioning, and emotional regulation strategies.
- Monitor student progress and maintain clear, consistent documentation of support strategies and outcomes.
- Contribute to the development of an inclusive school culture that promotes wellbeing, equity, and student agency.
- Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team, including the school psychologist, leadership, and teaching staff.
- Provide guidance and training to staff on differentiation, inclusion strategies, and supporting diverse learners.
- Work collaboratively with families to support studentsโ learning and wellbeing at home and at school.
- Stay current with best practices in inclusive education and IB learning support frameworks.
Qualifications
- Masterโs degree in Special Education, Inclusive Education, Psychology, or a related field.
- Relevant certification or qualifications in SEN / learning support.
- Proven experience supporting students with diverse learning needs in a school setting.
- Familiarity with IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) and inclusive education practices is an advantage.
- Strong understanding of differentiated instruction and student-centered learning approaches.
- Fluency in English (minimum C1 level) is required; additional languages, particularly Estonian, are a strong advantage.
Key Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
- Empathy, patience, and a student-centered mindset.
- Ability to design flexible and creative support strategies tailored to individual learners.
- Commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and the IB philosophy of holistic education.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple student plans and priorities.
We Offer
- Competitive gross salary (range 2600-2900โฌ/month)
- Advanced health insurance and/or sports compensation
- Advisory support with relocation (visa, residence permit, banking, healthcare, etc.)
- Professional development opportunities (including IB workshops)
- A wonderful team of supportive and positive colleagues
- A collaborative and innovative teaching environment in a brand-new school building
- Engagement in a vibrant and diverse international community in รlemiste Smart City โ a unique hub for expats, innovation, and education in Tallinn
Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Following a successful interview round, candidates who progress to the next stage will be required to undergo a criminal record check, and copies of qualifications will be requested.
Estonian Language Teacher
Key Responsibilities:
1. Curriculum Delivery:
- Teach Estonian as a host country language across PYP and MYP levels, designing engaging lessons that align with the IB framework and support differentiated learning.
- Deliver Estonian language lessons, focusing on practical communication skills, cultural awareness, and age-appropriate language acquisition.
- Foster the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Estonian through interactive and meaningful learning experiences.
2. Cultural Understanding:
- Introduce students to Estonian culture, traditions, history, and contemporary society, enhancing their understanding of the host country and promoting intercultural awareness.
- Incorporate authentic materials such as songs, stories, media, celebrations, and real-world contexts into lessons to deepen studentsโ connection to the language and culture.
- Support students in developing appreciation and respect for Estonia as the host country within an international learning environment.
3. Assessment and Feedback:
- Design and implement formative and summative assessments in line with IB philosophy and language learning objectives.
- Provide constructive feedback to support student progress and confidence in learning Estonian.
- Track and report on student development, ensuring appropriate support and differentiation for learners with varying language backgrounds.
4. Student Engagement:
- Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages active participation and curiosity about language learning.
- Support students in developing confidence and enjoyment in using Estonian in authentic contexts.
- Encourage international-mindedness and connections between language learning and studentsโ everyday experiences in Estonia.
5. Collaboration and Professional Development:
- Collaborate with colleagues to integrate Estonian language and cultural learning into interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary units of inquiry where appropriate.
- Work closely with the wider school community to support the schoolโs international ethos and host country engagement.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to stay informed about best practices in IB education and language instruction.
Qualifications:
- Masterโs degree in Estonian Language, Education, or a related field.
- Teaching certification and/or relevant teaching qualifications.
- Excellent command of Estonian (minimum C1 level required).
- Advanced English language proficiency (at least B2 required).
- Prior experience teaching in an IB World School setting would be beneficial.
Key Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of Estonian language pedagogy and enthusiasm for teaching language and culture in an international environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Creativity and flexibility in designing lessons that meet the needs of students with varying levels of language exposure.
- Commitment to fostering international-mindedness and supporting holistic education in line with the IB mission.
We offer:
- Competitive gross salary (range 2600 – 2850 EUR/month)
- Advanced health insurance and/or sports compensation
- Professional development opportunities (including IB workshops)
- Wonderful team of supportive and positive colleagues
- A collaborative and innovative teaching environment in a brand new school building
- Engagement in vibrant and diverse international community of รlemiste smart city โ a unique hub for expats, innovation and education in Tallinn
MYP Individuals & Societies Teacher
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Individuals & Societies (INS) Teacher to join our high school faculty at an international IB school. The successful candidate will inspire students to explore the complexities of history and global issues, encouraging them to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and collaborative learning environment while promoting the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.
Key Responsibilities:
- Teach MYP (Grade 6-10) Individuals & Societies subjects (e.g., history, geography, global politics, economics), incorporating inquiry-based and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Foster studentsโ understanding of global and local issues, helping them develop research and analytical skills.
- Plan and deliver lessons that align with IB frameworks, emphasizing inquiry, conceptual understanding, and global contexts.
- Collaborate with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that connect INS topics to other subject areas.
- Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages active participation and intellectual curiosity.
- Develop formative and summative assessments aligned with IB standards, providing timely and meaningful feedback to students.
- Work closely with faculty members to ensure alignment of curriculum and teaching practices within the IB framework.
- Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in IB education and subject-specific pedagogy.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in History, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Teaching certification and/or IB training in MYP.
- Proven experience teaching high school History and/or Individuals & Societies.
- Strong understanding of IB philosophy and assessment criteria will be beneficial.
Key Competencies:
- Passion for teaching history and global issues, with a dedication to fostering critical thinking and research skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage learners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Creativity and adaptability in lesson planning to meet the needs of all learners.
- Commitment to promoting international-mindedness and lifelong learning.
We offer:
- Competitive gross salary (range 2900 – 3200 EUR/month)
- Advanced health insurance and/or sports compensation
- Advisory support of relocation services (visa, residence permit, opening a bank account, finding a family doctor, etc.)
- Professional development opportunities (including IB workshops)
- Wonderful team of supportive and positive colleagues
- A collaborative and innovative teaching environment in a brand new school building
- Engagement in vibrant and diverse international community of รlemiste smart city โ a unique hub for expats, innovation and education in Tallinn
If you are a passionate educator eager to guide students in understanding history and global challenges, we invite you to apply. Join our team and contribute to nurturing informed, reflective, and internationally minded learners.
Please note that only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Following a successful interview round, candidates who progress to the next stage will be required to undergo a criminal record check, and copies of qualifications will be requested.
German Language Teacher
We are seeking a qualified and experienced IB PYP and MYP German Language Teacher to join our vibrant international school community.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Curriculum Delivery:
- Teach German as a language acquisition subject across PYP and MYP levels, designing lessons that align with IB frameworks and support differentiated learning.
- Foster the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in German through interactive and engaging activities.
2. Cultural Understanding:
- Introduce students to German-speaking cultures, traditions, and history, enhancing their global awareness and intercultural understanding.
- Incorporate authentic materials such as literature, media, and real-world scenarios into lessons to deepen studentsโ connection to the language.
3. Assessment and Feedback:
- Design and implement formative and summative assessments in line with IB standards, providing constructive feedback to guide student progress.
- Track and report on student performance, ensuring personalized support for each learnerโs growth.
4. Student Engagement:
- Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages active participation and a love for language learning.
- Support students in developing confidence and fluency in German, empowering them to communicate effectively.
5. Collaboration and Professional Development:
- Collaborate with colleagues to integrate German language learning into interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary units of inquiry.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices in IB education and language instruction.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in German Language Education or related field.
- Teaching certification and/or qualifications.
- Advanced English language (at least B2 required).
- Prior experience teaching in an IB World School setting would be beneficial.
Key Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of German language pedagogy and a passion for teaching language and culture.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage learners of diverse backgrounds.
- Creativity and adaptability in developing lessons that meet the needs of individual students.
- Commitment to fostering international-mindedness and promoting holistic education in line with the IB mission.
We offer:
- Competitive gross salary (range 2900 – 3150 EUR/month)
- Advanced health insurance and/or sports compensation
- Advisory support of relocation services (visa, residence permit, opening a bank account, finding a family doctor, etc.)
- Professional development opportunities (including IB workshops)
- Wonderful team of supportive and positive colleagues
- A collaborative and innovative teaching environment in a brand new school building
- Engagement in vibrant and diverse international community of รlemiste smart city โ a unique hub for expats, innovation and education in Tallinn
Candidate Application
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