Job Description Template: Teacher
This template helps Swiss schools and educational institutions create clear job postings for teaching positions. It covers curriculum delivery, student support, lesson planning, and collaboration with colleagues. Adapt the Pensum (percentage), language requirements, and cantonal regulations to match your school's needs.
Swiss schools need job descriptions that attract qualified teachers and clearly outline expectations. This template covers full-time and part-time roles (Pensum 40–100%) across primary, secondary, and specialised teaching.
Always specify your canton and city in the location field—Swiss candidates expect geographic clarity. Include language requirements prominently; many roles require fluent Swiss German plus English or French.
About the Role
This position involves planning, preparing, and delivering lessons in [Subject/Year Group] to students aged [X–Y]. You will create an engaging learning environment, assess student progress, and adapt teaching methods to different learning needs.
You will work within our school's pedagogical framework and contribute to our mission of [school values/approach]. Collaboration with parents, colleagues, and external specialists is essential.
- Plan and deliver lessons aligned with cantonal curriculum standards
- Assess, record, and report on student progress regularly
- Prepare teaching materials and adapt content for diverse learners
- Manage classroom behaviour and create a safe, inclusive environment
- Attend staff meetings, parent evenings, and professional development
- Communicate with parents and carers about student progress
What We're Looking For
You hold a Swiss teaching diploma (HfH, PH, or equivalent) or recognised international qualification. You speak [Swiss German / French / Italian] fluently and English at working level. You are patient, organised, and genuinely interested in supporting young people.
Experience in Swiss schools is valued but not mandatory for the right candidate. You understand cantonal education law and work within our school's governance structure.
- Must-have: Teaching qualification recognised in [Canton name]
- Must-have: Fluent [language requirement]
- Must-have: Valid criminal-record clearance (Strafregisterauszug)
- Nice-to-have: Experience with [digital tools / inclusive education / multilingual classes]
- Nice-to-have: Specialist training in [MINT / arts / remedial teaching]
- Nice-to-have: Knowledge of Canton [X] school system
What We Offer
We offer a permanent position at [X]% Pensum (equivalent to [X] hours/week), starting [date]. Salary follows the cantonal GAV (collective labour agreement) for teachers: CHF [X,XXX–X,XXX] gross per month, based on qualification and experience.
Additional benefits include 13. Monatslohn (13th-month bonus), 5+ weeks annual leave, pension contributions via [BVG provider], and professional development budget. Support for visa sponsorship is available if needed.
- Fixed salary: CHF [X,XXX–X,XXX]/month (13 salaries/year)
- Pensum: [X]% (full-time or part-time roles available)
- Leave: [X] weeks annual, plus public holidays
- Pension: BVG contributions (employer + employee)
- Professional development: CHF [X,XXX] annual budget
- Visa & relocation support available for qualified international candidates
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need Swiss teacher training or can I use my international qualification?
- Most cantons require either a Swiss HfH/PH diploma or an officially recognised equivalent. Contact your cantonal education office (Amt für Volksschule / Département de l'éducation) before applying. They issue recognition decisions. You may need additional bridging courses.
- What does Pensum mean and how does it affect my salary?
- Pensum is the percentage of a full-time position. An 80% role means 4 days/week; 100% is 5 days. Salary scales in the GAV are annual and prorated by Pensum. A teacher on 80% earns 80% of the full-time salary.
- Why do you ask for a criminal-record clearance and is it mandatory?
- Swiss law (Bundesgesetz über die Sicherheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Betreuungseinrichtungen) requires schools to verify that teachers have no serious criminal convictions. You obtain a Strafregisterauszug from the Swiss Federal Office of Justice. It costs CHF 25–30.
General information for Swiss employers, not legal advice. Have a lawyer confirm anything with legal consequences.