Teaching Jobs Mexico

• Note: If you would like to ask a question, just complete the form at the end of this page. The answer will be added at the bottom of the FAQs page a few days after you send it.
  

How much does your placement service cost?

• Our services are free to candidates. You don’t pay anything to apply or be placed. There is a penalty applied for teachers that accept a position then don’t fulfill the contract. This is to protect schools as it can be costly to replace and train the new teacher that has to fill your position.

How long are the teaching contracts?

• Most contracts are for a year.

Why do I need to log in/register to view the positions, forms, etc.?

• It is important for us to know that only qualified candidates are in the placement system. Also, many schools ask us to not make all information public.

Why so many steps to register/apply?

• Registration is quick and simple. After that, applications take preparation. We get many applications. Most of those are not from qualified candidates. Once we have determined that you meet the minimum profile to qualify for school placements and for the working papers, we will give you access to the placement system. By having several steps in place, we also ensure that you are serious about working with one of our schools and that you are able to follow instructions.

Should I apply even if there is not a position that is suitable for my profile and interests right now?

• Certainly. We keep résumés of qualified and experienced teachers on file for at least 6 months.

How much will I be paid in my teaching position?

• That depends entirely on the school and its salary scale. You will know the salary and benefits if you receive an offer, before you accept the position. Schools usually offer a livable wage though it is not what you would see in a school in the US or Canada.

Where in Mexico do you place teachers?

• In many cities across the country, mainly inland in the larger cities.

Are benefits included?

• Each school determines what benefits will be included. Standard teacher benefits include a return plane ticket to your home country if you are hired from outside Mexico, government medical, sometimes extended medical, some schools offer food coupons (these are a tax-reduced part of your salary to be used in many prominent stores), also many, if not most schools will process your working visa. These details should be explained in the offer from the school. If unclear, you may ask the placement coordinator.

Do you require a background check?

• Yes, a background check and criminal records check is required before accepting a position. This can be done once you receive an offer but you might want to look into the procedure at your local law enforcement office.

Do you require a medical exam?

• We don’t but some schools will require it, usually upon arrival at the school.

Do you process my working papers? What do I need to know about working papers?

• We do not process them but we help you to ensure your documentation is in order. To be eligible for working papers in Mexico (renewed yearly) you must be a native English speaker (except for certain rare exceptions), have a four-year degree in your specialty area (completed, with diploma), your birth certificate and valid passport and any other requirement the school may indicate upon offering employment or upon hiring. The Mexican government determines the criteria for eligibility. That is why it is essential to be a native speaker and have a four-year degree. The school must justify to the government why you are specialized and more appropriate for the job than a Mexican national.

Am I provided with training?

• Schools will typically offer an induction program if you begin your job in August. Other times of the year, you may just jump in. Schools do expect you to be trained and experienced in your area and level of specialty.

Are Spanish classes provided?

• That depends on the school.

Do I need to know Spanish for my job?

• That depends on the position. Usually it is not required but it is very helpful for daily life if you have some Spanish as well as helping you to understand the school’s assemblies, bulletins, etc.

Do I need to have a teaching certificate or teaching experience to work in Mexican schools?

• In most cases, a certificate is not required, though teaching experience is, in most cases, essential. Each school determines the profile of the teacher they are looking for.

Does the school provide housing or assistance in finding housing?

• Often they provide assistance in finding housing. Sometimes teachers live together in apartments. Each school’s arrangements and level of assistance are different.

Do I need any special vaccinations to work in Mexico?

• You should consult your local travel medical clinic to find this out. Most of the time there are no required vaccinations but it is a good idea for adults to consider boosters or any other vaccines their travel medical clinic recommends, especially when working with children.

Can I specify the location or any other preferences on my application?

• If any particular criteria are very important to you, you should specify. It is much easier to be placed if you are as flexible as you can be.

Can married couples or friends be placed in the same school?

• If both are qualified for open positions, schools will try to place married couples together. If there are not two positions in the same school that meet both teachers’ profiles, we will try to place both qualified teachers in the same city.

How long does it take to get placed/get an offer of employment?

• That all depends on your availability, your profile and the schools’ needs. Most placements start the second week of August. Often there are last-minute openings. Sometimes there are openings throughout the school year.

Why do you ask me to fill out forms and get references?

• We are thorough in preparing your application package. This is to fulfill the school’s need to have as much information as possible to make a decision based on your background, experience, references, etc. The more complete your profile is, the better schools will have an idea of how you will fit the position, school culture, etc.

What are the school working hours/days?

• Each school’s work day differs. Often teachers are required to attend training sessions, school events, ceremonies, etc. outside of the regular school day. Some schools operate split shifts. Some teachers are asked to help out with clubs, sports teams, etc. Flexibility is key. In Mexico, many things happen that are unplanned or last minute. The annual school calendar for 2008/2009 can be found at this link. The school calendar us usually published in July for the following school year. Most schools follow this Secretary of Education (SEP) calendar closely. Teachers usually start back for planning and professional development about two weeks before classes begin and stay on a few days or up to a week or so after classes end to finish grades, turn in materials, etc.

Send us a question. If you’d like to receive a copy of the reply, you may include your email address. Otherwise, check back in a few days to see your answer at the bottom of the list of FAQs. If your question pertains to another already asked, we may include the answer there, expanding on what is already explained.