Teaching Jobs in Rome, Italy

Finding a teaching job in Rome can be challenging because of an overall high unemployment rate throughout the country; even so, English teaching jobs in Rome are still very widely available for native English speakers. Rome, and Italy in general, has a constant, high demand for native English speakers, as locals continue to desire English language fluency. Teaching English in Rome, whether in public schools or universities, is most often focused on grammar and writing skills, and less on conversation, as these are the linguistic areas that many Italian students have difficulty with. 

Public Schools. Learning English is compulsory in Italy from elementary school onward. Until recent years, only Italian citizens were allows to teach in state schools. However, today, native English speakers can find a range of teaching job opportunities in public schools in Rome. Public school teaching jobs in Rome typically pay teachers around 25 Euros per hour.

Language Schools. There are a large number of private language schools in Rome that seek out native English teachers as well. Language schools usually start in September or October and finish in May or June. Some will require teachers that teachers have previous teaching experience, but most will employ teachers who hold a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate or equivalent, regardless of their work experience. Although TEFL courses can be found all over the world, learning how to teach ESL students “on the ground” (through TEFL programs in Italy) will help you build the right contacts needed to find and secure the best teaching job in Rome.

Universities. English is taught at all universities in Italy, so it is possible to find teaching jobs in Rome as a language assistant at the university level. As a language assistant you will have the chance to plan and conduct conversation classes with undergraduate students. Those who want to teach English in Rome at the university level should have a master’s degree and/or some college teaching experience under their belt.

Schedule. The typical school year is broken into two semesters with Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. State schools usually have two months off during the summer, while private schools usually break for shorter periods. But, don’t worry, pretty much the entire country has a break for the month of August in order to enjoy the sun!