Teaching jobs in Luxembourg: wages, requirements, documents

Overview of the teaching jobs in Luxembourg

Teachers play a fundamental role in society as key agents in transmitting knowledge, skills, and values to future generations. Their role extends beyond imparting specific subjects; they also serve as mentors, motivators, and role models for students. Teachers not only prepare youth for academic success but also guide them in personal and social development, helping them become responsible citizens and contributors to society. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, teachers equip students to tackle real-world challenges.

Teachers can work in various settings, both within and outside the traditional education system. Some areas where they may find employment include:

In Luxembourg, the education sector is relatively small and employs a limited number of people compared to other European countries. When ranking European countries by the percentage of people employed in this sector, Luxembourg ranked last in 2021, with only 1972 people employed in education, representing 0.52% of the Luxembourgish workforce. In Europe, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Ireland, and Switzerland have the highest number of employees in the education sector.

Training and skills necessary to work in the teaching sector

If you're wondering how to become a teacher in Luxembourg, you've come to the right place. However, the answer to this question is not one-size-fits-all, as the educational requirements to become a teacher vary greatly depending on the educational field and level of teaching. Below we present an overview of the requirements in the different educational environments. 

In addition to education and excluding teaching-specific competencies, there are multiple skills necessary to be a teacher. Here are some of them:

Empathy

Empathy is crucial for understanding students' individual needs and challenges, as well as for creating a supportive and understanding classroom environment. Empathetic teachers can better connect with their students, foster positive relationships, and help overcome learning barriers

Effective Communication

Teachers must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with their students, colleagues, parents, and administrators. This involves the ability to explain difficult concepts in an accessible manner, actively listen to students' concerns, and provide constructive feedback

Time Management and Organization

Effective time management and organization are essential for keeping up with teaching responsibilities, including lesson planning, grading assignments, preparing educational materials, and participating in meetings and extracurricular activities

Creativity

Being creative is essential for developing innovative and engaging approaches to teaching and learning. Creative teachers can design interesting activities and projects that motivate students and encourage their active participation in the classroom

Requirements for French nationals

In Luxembourg, the teaching profession is open to nationals of the European Union, provided that they are proficient in the three administrative languages of the country, i.e. French, German and Luxembourgish, with a level depending on the position sought:

1. To apply for a category post (A1), the equivalent of a French collège-lycée, or to teach in primary schools (A2):

   • Level C1 for the 1st language
   • Level B2 for the 2nd language
   • Level B1 for the 3rd language
2. To teach in CAP or BEP-type courses (B1):

   • Level B2 for the 1st language
   • Level B1 for the 2nd language
   • Level A2 for the 3rd language

Candidates must also meet the other educational requirements that are common to all candidates and which we mentioned above. If all these requirements are met, the candidates must sit and pass the competitive examinations in the same way as Luxembourgish candidates.

As for the diplomas, since education is a regulated profession, it is necessary to demand a recognition of the diploma. In our related article, you can get more information on the procedure.

How to get a teaching job in Luxembourg?

Discovering how to get a teaching job in Luxembourg involves exploring the various positions available for educators. In the following section, we will expand on the opportunities for teachers in Luxembourg and examine which positions are most in demand.

Top-10 in-demand teaching roles in Luxembourg

The job of a teacher can be exercised from multiple positions and in different environments. Below is a list of some of the main roles:

Early Childhood Educator

Early childhood educators play a vital role in the development and well-being of children from birth to 7 years old. They primarily work in settings such as nurseries, daycares, kindergartens, hospitals, and medical-psychological centers. Their work involves creating a stimulating and safe environment for children in the absence of their parents. Educators organize playful and educational activities that promote children's awakening, motor, and cognitive development. They also teach social skills such as respect for societal rules, communication, and interaction with others. Early childhood educators play a role in the early detection of potential developmental difficulties or disorders in children.

Primary School Teacher

Working mainly in preschool or elementary school, primary school teachers work with children aged 3 to 11 years old. Their role is to awaken their interest in the world around them and teach them to read, write, count, etc.

Middle and High School Teacher

Secondary school teachers transmit their knowledge to students, whether they are in middle or high school. They prepare and deliver lessons to students, create exercises and graded assignments to assess their level of knowledge and participate in multidisciplinary or extracurricular activities.

University Contract Lecturers

These professionals, chosen for their expertise and experience in a particular field, deliver courses to students within a certain limit of hours. Whether independent or already employed, their intervention at the university is within the framework of a fixed-term contract.

Associate professors or senior lecturers

They prepare and deliver lessons in one or more subjects as part of a curriculum established by a university or higher education institution. They conduct research and prepare materials and textbooks. They hold a doctorate, the highest degree in higher education (Ph.D.).

University Professors

They have the dual mission of ensuring the development of fundamental and applied research and transmitting knowledge derived from it to students. They are more qualified than associate professors, typically requiring a Ph.D. and several years of experience as an associate professor.

Special Education Teacher

Their role is to support individuals in difficult social situations or with disabilities or psychological, physical, or mental disorders. Special education teachers help individuals flourish and reintegrate into society. They work in associations, local authorities, and reception facilities, including youth work centers, medico-educational institutes, and social reintegration centers.

Teacher in Non-Formal Education Centers

In this field, teachers play a crucial role in providing specialized education in areas such as art, music, cooking, or technology, complementing formal education. Their role involves designing and facilitating courses and workshops tailored to the needs and interests of students. Often, teachers in these centers require practical experience and solid knowledge of the subject rather than formal degrees. Professional training, relevant certifications, and a passion for the topic are essential for success in this dynamic educational field.

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Which positions are most demanded in Luxembourg?

When considering which positions are most in demand in a certain field of work in Luxembourg, the best reference comes from sectoral studies conducted by the Ministry of Labour (MT) and the Employment Development Agency (ADEM), which address various areas of the economy. However, there are no specific sectoral studies dedicated to the field of education, making it difficult to provide a precise answer to this question.

Nevertheless, as we observed earlier in the article, there are relatively few people employed in the education sector in Luxembourg. This can be attributed to various factors such as population density, the structure of the education system, and hiring policies. The requirements to become a teacher in luxembourg can be rigorous, limiting the number of available candidates.

However, despite the relatively low number of employees in this area, the overall demand for teachers is increasing with population growth. The relative shortage of teachers in Luxembourg may present employment opportunities for those who meet the qualification requirements or are willing to fulfill them.

Luxembourg establishments recruiting teachers

If you're seeking a teaching job in Luxembourg, this section is for you. We'll guide you on where and how to find teaching opportunities. Explore top job portals and discover the best places to secure a teaching position in Luxembourg.

University of Luxembourg

Atalian is a leading multiservice provider in Europe, offering comprehensive services across various business lines including cleaning, technical maintenance, facility management, reception, security, green spaces, hygiene, and construction.

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Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Secondary education is primarily provided by civil service teachers. Recruitment is through competitive exams organized by the Ministry of National Education, Childhood and Youth.

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Vauban

This private educational institution is approved by the French Ministry of National Education and is part of the network of French educational institutions abroad (AEFE), offering quality education according to French standards.

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Butzemillen Crèche

Founded in 2013, this network of nurseries in Luxembourg accompanies children daily, building a trusting relationship and guiding them towards autonomous development.

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European School Luxembourg

European Schools (EE) are intergovernmental schools, offering comprehensive education (preschool, primary, secondary) in students' mother tongues, primarily for children of EU officials.

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Technical High School for Health Professions

A public secondary and higher education institution for health professions in Luxembourg.

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European Institute of Public Administration

An independent institute affiliated with the European Union, offering training and research on public administration and European policy, with one of its locations in Luxembourg.

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United Business Institute (UBI)

A private higher education institution in Brussels, Luxembourg, and Shanghai offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and DBA programs in Business Studies and Administration.

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Job portals

For comprehensive market research on job opportunities, the internet proves to be an invaluable resource. Numerous job portals host thousands of job listings, allowing users to filter by industry, location, educational requirements, or necessary work experience.

Among the international portals are eures.europa.eu (the European Union's portal), eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, page.com and LinkedIn.com.

For local opportunities in Luxembourg, prominent portals include jobfinder.lu, jobs.lu, monster.lu, and moovijob.com. Each portal offers a unique set of opportunities, allowing you to tailor your job search to your preferences and career goals.

Freelance work as a teacher in Luxembourg

While freelance work as a teacher may be common in certain areas of informal education, such as tutoring or language instruction, formal education typically requires working within an accredited institution. However, freelance opportunities can arise for specialized workshops, seminars, or online courses, especially in niche subject areas.

What else can you read on the topic of employment in Luxembourg?

You will find a variety of articles on job search, career development, and workplace culture in our dedicated section of the Blog. Check it out.

Salaries in the teaching sector in Luxembourg in 2024

Teachers in Luxembourg typically receive competitive salaries and attractive benefits. However, due to the large number and variety of teaching positions, Luxembourg teaching jobs salary ranges vary greatly and may not provide a clear picture of the reality. As a general idea, Paylab offers a salary range for the sector, from 3,164 euros as the minimum average to 8,230 euros as the maximum average. For a clearer understanding of salaries by position, the following table presents some average salaries for various types of teaching roles within this field.

What papers do you need as a foreigner?

For European nationals, the process of working in Luxembourg is relatively straightforward, given the freedom to live and work in any European country. However, navigating the paperwork becomes essential if you are not a European national.

The requirements vary based on your circumstances, distinguishing between employed and self-employed roles. Additionally, familial situations, such as having a Luxembourgish or European partner, can impact the process.

Common documents and prerequisites typically include:Common documents and prerequisites typically include:

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Two fully completed Schengen visa application forms

Two recent identical passport photos

A copy of the passport

Proof of accommodation

An employment contract

Payment of the applicable visa fee

Collect the documents

These are the first basic documents one might need to apply for a work permit and temporary authorisation to stay.

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.