Teacher of English (Lisbon)

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

The British Council is seeking dedicated and inspiring English Teachers to join our well-established teaching centre in Lisbon, Portugal to promote high-quality teaching and effective learning across a range of young learner and adult programmes while supporting our cultural relations mission. In Lisbon, you will be part of a larger team of around 50 teachers operating across multiple British Council sites and partner schools, including both central branches and off-site locations.

We deliver face-to-face and online programmes to a wide range of learners, including young people, adults and corporate clients. Teachers work across different courses, age groups and locations within their city. Our operation is dynamic, collaborative and supported by a national academic management team focused on maintaining high teaching standards. Teachers work closely with colleagues locally while also having opportunities to engage with wider national and international initiatives across our global network.

As the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, we work in over 100 countries to build connections and understanding through English, education, arts and culture. Founded in 1934, we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a public body committed to creating positive impact worldwide.

English teaching is central to our work, helping people access life-changing opportunities while strengthening the UK’s global reputation in English language education and assessment. This is an opportunity to join a globally respected organisation and be part of a supportive, international teaching community committed to delivering high-quality English language education.

Role Accountabilities

We are looking for 3 committed Part-Time English Teachers to deliver high-quality lessons that meet learner needs while upholding the British Council’s teaching standards. You will build positive relationships with students and colleagues, contribute to teaching centre activities and support our reputation as a global leader in English language teaching, while engaging in ongoing professional development.

You will plan and deliver engaging lessons across a range of formats, including face-to-face and online, adapting your approach to suit different learners. You will assess progress, provide feedback and encourage learner autonomy to ensure an effective and supportive learning experience.

The role also includes maintaining accurate records, completing required administrative tasks and contributing feedback to improve teaching programmes. You will take an active role in your professional development, respond to student feedback to enhance your practice and support a high standard of customer experience.

Strong organisational skills are essential, as you will manage teaching and administrative responsibilities in a flexible environment. You will also follow all relevant policies, including safeguarding and compliance, to ensure the wellbeing of learners and the integrity of the organisation. This is an opportunity to join a respected global organisation and contribute to high-quality English language education in a collaborative and professional setting.

The role requires flexibility to work within a six-day teaching schedule from Monday to Saturday, based on operational needs, with teaching delivered across different shifts. Each year, our centres deliver over 40,000 class hours to approximately 4,000 students. The academic year runs from late September to late June across three terms, complemented by seasonal holiday programmes during Easter and the summer.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Language proficiency: Near-native English; CEFR C2 / IELTS Academic 8.0+ in all four skills
• Cambridge CELTA/Trinity Certificate TESOL (TEFLi) or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years post-certificate experience (TEFLi) (and/or equivalent to 1,200 hours that should have been gained from teaching three or more of the following life stages:
• Experience in teaching relevant age groups to be specified by the centre
• Early Years aged 2 to 5 (400+hours)
• Primary aged 6 to 10 (400+ hours)
• Lower Secondary aged 11 to 14 (800+ hours)
• Upper Secondary aged 15 to 17 (400+ hours)
• University/Vocational students aged 18 to 25 (400+hours)
• Adults General English 18+ (800+ hours)

Desirable

• Recognised diploma in EFL i.e. Cambridge DELTA/Trinity Diploma TESOL
• Additional specialist qualifications such as PGCE/B.ED in Primary, TYLEC, Nile Teaching English in Pre-Primary education
• Experience in teaching:
• Online (e.g. via Zoom)
• Exam preparation at B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency (400+hours)
• Training and teaching for corporate classes/in-company
• One-to-one teaching
• IELTS preparation (200+hours)

Important Information

Location: The position is based in Lisbon. The teacher will be required to work from our multiple teaching centres. Contract Hours: 14 contracted hours, inclusive of 9h of teaching.

The role requires flexibility to work across a six-day schedule from Monday to Saturday, with teaching delivered across varying shifts. Each year, we deliver over 40,000 class hours to around 4,000 students, with the academic year running from late September to late June and additional programmes offered during Easter and summer.

Contract Type: This is a part-time position of one-year fixed-term contract, with the expectation of renewal for a further year and the possibility of progression to tenure. Salary: 761-985 EUR per month, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: Annual leave 35 days (pro-rated) + public holidays, health insurance (single), opportunity to take on further professional development through specialism courses and trainings funded by the British Council, e.g. DELTA and other external training certificates like NILE or TYLEC.

Right to Work: The candidates must have legal right to live and work in the European Union.

Background Screening: all successful candidates are obliged to undergo comprehensive background screening.

Closing Date: 29th May 2026.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.