Primary Cover Teacher - International School of The Hague

Primary Cover Teacher at the International School of The Hague (ISH)

Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract Type: Full-time (5 days a week) – Temporary contract
Salary: Dutch collective labour agreement for primary education (CAO PO), scale LB
Application deadline: 9 October 2026

Are you the colleague we are seeking to join ISH Primary?

The International School of The Hague (ISH) is a diverse and internationally minded learning community of approximately 550 students aged 4–11. As part of the Rijnlands Lyceum Foundation, ISH Primary shares a beautiful campus with ISH Secondary in Kijkduin, The Hague.

We are seeking a flexible, relational and collaborative Primary School Cover Teacher to join our team on a temporary basis, starting as soon as possible.

This is a varied and dynamic role providing high-quality teaching and continuity of learning across the Primary School when class teachers are absent. Working with students across different year groups, you will be able to step confidently into different classroom environments, quickly establish positive relationships and ensure that learning continues in line with our curriculum and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework.

The role would particularly suit an adaptable and experienced primary educator who enjoys variety, works well as part of a team and is confident supporting children across a range of ages and abilities.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• Permission to live and work in the European Union (EU passport or valid Dutch work visa), preferably with current residence and existing authorisation to work in the Netherlands. 

• A recognised teaching qualification (Bachelor in Primary Education or PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status)

• Experience teaching across the primary age range (up to Age 11)

• The flexibility and confidence to teach and support students across different year groups and classroom settings

• Experience with, or a good understanding of, inquiry-based and concept-driven learning; experience with the IB PYP framework is an advantage

• Strong classroom management skills and the ability to quickly establish positive learning environments

• Experience using inclusive and differentiated teaching practices to meet a range of learning needs

• A collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to work effectively with different teaching teams

• Excellent spoken and written English

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Learning

• Provide high-quality classroom cover across the Primary School in response to planned and unplanned teacher absence

• Deliver learning experiences and lessons in line with teachers’ planning, the school curriculum and the IB PYP framework

• Adapt confidently to different year groups, learning environments and classroom routines

• Maintain continuity of learning and high expectations for student engagement, behaviour and achievement

• Foster student agency, voice, choice, curiosity and critical thinking

• Use observation, assessment and feedback appropriately to support student learning and provide useful information to the returning class teacher

• Ensure effective handover and communication with class teachers and relevant colleagues

Inclusion & Wellbeing

• Create a safe, welcoming and inclusive classroom environment in which all students feel known, valued and supported

• Use inclusive and differentiated practices to support multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs

• Support students’ academic, social and emotional development

• Establish positive relationships with students quickly and maintain consistent expectations across different classroom settings

• Utilise inclusive practices, self-regulation techniques and differentiated behaviour management strategies

• Promote multilingualism, intercultural understanding and sustainability

• Follow established class and school routines to provide students with consistency and stability during teacher absence

Professional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with class teachers, teaching assistants, year-level teams, specialist teachers and other colleagues to ensure continuity of learning

• Communicate effectively with colleagues regarding student learning, wellbeing and any significant issues arising during cover

• Familiarise yourself with planning, routines and expectations across different areas of the Primary School

• Engage actively in professional learning, reflection and collaborative inquiry

• Contribute positively to the wider school community through events and activities

• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to respond to the changing day-to-day needs of the school

What We Offer

• A varied and rewarding teaching role across our Primary School

• A welcoming, inclusive and internationally minded school community

• The opportunity to work with students and colleagues across different year groups and teams

• Ongoing professional learning focused on inquiry, inclusion and wellbeing

• A supportive and collaborative working environment

• Competitive CAO PO benefits package including:

  • Holiday allowance (8%)

  • End-of-year allowance (8.33% of the gross annual salary)

  • ABP pension contribution

  • Commuting allowance

  • Tax benefit schemes and insurance discounts

  • Collective occupational disability insurance (IPAP) and discounts on corporate healthcare/home policies

Application Process

Applicants who meet the requirements can apply through the TES platform by submitting a completed application/profile, uploading a comprehensive and up-to-date CV, and a motivation letter (all in English). Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application deadline: 9 October 2026

Please note that the review of applications will begin immediately. Suitable candidates may be invited for an interview before the closing date, and ISH reserves the right to make an appointment before the deadline if an outstanding applicant is identified. Given the immediate start date, early applications are strongly encouraged.

In case of equal suitability, internal candidates are preferred. Our recruitment procedure is subject to our transparent and fair Recruitment Code.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

All applicants are subject to a rigorous screening process that includes verification of qualifications, obtaining two supervisory references (including current employers), and obtaining current and previous police checks/certificates of good conduct.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection. To this end, all new hires must obtain a Dutch certificate of good conduct (VOG) prior to the start of employment.

We ask that you please refrain from placing this advert on recruiting websites without our permission or using it for acquisition purposes.