PYP Grade 1 Educational Assistant, International School of Helsinki, Helsinki

PYP Grade 1 Educational Assistant
Application Deadline: April 4, 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 Grade 1 Educational Assistant to inspire and engage students in their early learning journey. This is a full-time, permanent position within our dynamic IB World School, where play-based and inquiry-driven learning are at the heart of our Early Years program.

Key Responsibilities Include:
Provide positive, supportive, and consistent learning and behavioral support for all students.
Advocate for students and provide input that will support their learning goals and needs.
Collaborate effectively with homeroom and specialist teachers in supporting student learning.
Support student learning with high quality instruction and guidance in and out of the classroom
Follow teacher direction in support of student learning and curricular objectives
Flexibly meet with students in various configurations, including one-on-one, small group and whole group.
Communicate student behavior challenges with the appropriate teacher(s) or school leaders.
Assume teaching responsibility and be an information resource in the absence of teachers.
Prepare materials to support learning including instructional materials, educational displays and student work, as directed by the classroom teacher(s).
Supervise students during emergency drills, assemblies, transitions, recesses and lunch periods.
Performs clerical duties as necessary to support the instructional program, as directed by the classroom teacher.

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
Experience teaching young learners, preferably in an IB PYP or international school setting.
Strong understanding of early childhood development, play-based learning, and inquiry-driven teaching methods.
Excellent classroom management and communication skills to foster a supportive and nurturing environment.
A caring, patient, and child-centered approach to teaching.
High levels of proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English.

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.
Start Date
August, 2025

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.