Working at ISE
Dear Educator,
Thank you for taking time to learn about teaching at The International School of Estonia.
The International School of Estonia is an IBO World School , fully authorized in the PYP and Diploma programs. The middle school program is based on internationally recognized best practices. The school currently has 115 students made up of twenty plus different nationalities. ISE is still young for an international school. We recently celebrated our 15th anniversary. Our facilities and resources continue to improve while class sizes range between five and fifteen students.
ISE is located in the historical city of Tallinn , recognized by UNESCO as a "well-preserved Middle Ages jewel." After bouncing back from 50 years of Soviet occupation Estonia entered the EU in May of 2004 and the Eurozone in 2011 and has gained the reputation of having the strongest economy of all the former republics. The weather is typical for northern Europe with brilliant summers, cold winters and limited snow. Long nights in winter turn into the midnight sun of May, June, and July. Prices in Estonia remain low with a cheeseburger at McDonalds costing nearly half that of one in Paris . There are none of the shortages that one experiences in other parts of the former Soviet Union , and reasonably priced restaurants, wine bars, and cafes abound.
In addition to teaching income, allowances are provided for housing, utilities and transportation. Some faculty members choose to live in newer more modern buildings while others enjoy the ambience of the Old Town . The school provides medical, dental and vision insurance and a matching 5% retirement contribution allowing you to choose your own retirement plan.
Ample travel opportunities abound with Helsinki only 90 minutes away by fast ferry. The Tallinn airport is 5 minutes from school and the center of town. There are a growing number of inexpensive flights available on Easy Jet, Ryan Air, Air Baltic and Estonia Air to London , Paris , Amsterdam and other parts of Europe. Tallinn is the place to come for a step back in time, walks on cobblestone streets, fascinating architecture, inexpensive opera, ballet and symphonies without giving up any modern conveniences. The pace of life is relaxed and safe with minimal petty crime.
The International School of Estonia provides children and their families an international education in a small, caring setting. ISE is an educational oasis where English is the medium of instruction, but children also chatter away in French, Finnish, Swedish, Estonian, etc. It is a place where teachers can take risks, try new ideas, reach new personal and professional heights, in an environment that feels more like a family. It is a school where you will work hard but also have ample opportunities to play.
If you want the challenge of teaching ESL and gifted students all at the same time, in small, personal classes - then ISE is the school for you. If you truly want to be in a school where you can make a difference - then ISE is the school for you. If you like new places, new challenges, adventure and the chance to be the best teacher you can be - then the International School of Estonia is definitely where you want to be.
I look forward to meeting you in Tallinn.
Sincerely,
Don Fitzmahan
Director
