PYP Educational Assistant, International School of Helsinki, Helsinki

PYP Educational Assistant
Application Deadline: April 18, 2025

The International School of Helsinki (ISH) is a vibrant, inclusive, and non-profit learning
community offering education to students aged 4 to 18 through the International
Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. Located in Finland’s capital, ISH fosters a global mindset and
prepares students for the complexities of the modern world. Our community includes over
100 staff members and approximately 500 students representing diverse cultures and
nationalities.
Are you a dedicated and experienced PYP Classroom Educational Assistant or Teacher? We are seeking a passionate and experienced PYP Educational Assistant to inspire and engage students in their early learning journey. This is a full-time, temporary leave replacement position within our dynamic IB World School.

Key Responsibilities Include:
To provide positive, supportive, and consistent learning and behavioural support for all students.
To advocate for students and provide input that will support their learning goals and needs.
To collaborate effectively with homeroom and specialist teachers in supporting student learning.
To support student learning with high quality instruction and guidance in and out of the classroom
To follow teacher direction in support of student learning and curricular objectives
To flexibly meet with students in various configurations, including one-on-one, small group and whole group.
Collaborates with colleagues in creating and implementing developmentally appropriate learning communities.
Communicates student behaviour challenges with the appropriate teacher(s) or school leaders.
Assumes teaching responsibility and is an information resource in the absence of teachers.
Prepares materials to support learning including instructional materials, educational displays and student work, as directed by the classroom teacher(s).
Accompanies students on field trips to support the learning and safety of the students.
Supervises students during emergency drills, assemblies, transitions, recesses and lunch periods.
Attends and participates in select faculty meetings and in service opportunities.
Performs clerical duties as necessary to support the instructional program, as directed by the classroom teacher.
Maintains a similar high level of ethical behaviour and confidentiality of information about students.

What We Offer

This role provides significant opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a vibrant international learning community. ISH offers competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that emphasizes inclusion, wellbeing, and autonomy.

Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university with teaching qualifications.
Demonstrated proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators.
Strong classroom management and communication skills that foster a supportive, respectful, and learner-centered environment.
Ability to support instruction, reinforce appropriate learning behaviours, and uphold discipline policies.
Capacity to work independently with a positive, flexible, and solution-oriented outlook.
A caring and patient approach, with genuine appreciation and respect for student learners.
Previous successful teaching experience working with children is preferred.

Child Protection & Safeguarding
ISH is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and promoting children’s and young people’s welfare. Successful candidates must pass background checks, including police clearance and reference verification.
How to Apply
Please submit the following to employment@ishelsinki.fi:
A letter of application explaining your suitability for the role and alignment with ISH’s values and IB inclusion principles.
A current CV.
Employment Dates
July 30, 2025 – May 29, 2026

Statement of Anti-Discrimination
At ISH, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We actively promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, or beliefs.
For all positions, a criminal record check as required in § 3 Law of working with children, must be presented by the applicant chosen for the position.