Teacher Resume Example for Jobs in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

Teacher Job Market in Jeddah

Jeddah is Saudi Arabia's commercial capital and gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, with a metropolitan population exceeding four million people from over 100 nationalities. This cosmopolitan makeup fuels one of the largest international school markets in the Kingdom, creating consistent and growing demand for qualified teaching professionals. Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government has identified education as a strategic priority, allocating billions of riyals toward curriculum modernization, new campus construction, and attracting world-class teaching talent from abroad to elevate educational standards across the country.

International schools in Jeddah operate British, American, International Baccalaureate (IB), and blended curricula to serve both expatriate families and affluent Saudi households seeking globally recognized qualifications. The demand for teachers is especially strong in STEM subjects including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. English language arts, early years and primary education, and special educational needs (SEN) remain perennial areas of shortage. Schools are also expanding their recruitment for specialists in educational technology, school counseling, and gifted-and-talented programs as they strive to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly competitive market.

The hiring cycle for Jeddah international schools follows a well-established pattern. Recruitment for the next academic year typically begins in October and peaks during January and February, coinciding with major international recruitment fairs organized by Search Associates, the Council of International Schools (CIS), and Teach Away. Mid-year vacancies arise regularly due to natural turnover, and schools maintain rolling recruitment pipelines for hard-to-fill specializations. Teachers who have their documentation attested and ready to submit gain a significant timing advantage over competitors.

A distinctive feature of the Jeddah education landscape is the presence of well-funded school groups operating multiple campuses, which offer structured career ladders, professional development budgets, and institutional stability. Additionally, the proximity to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), just 80 kilometers north of the city, creates a niche but prestigious market for exceptional educators at the KAUST School, where small class sizes, cutting-edge facilities, and an academically gifted student body define the teaching experience.

Why Jeddah for Teaching Careers

Jeddah offers a compelling combination of financial rewards, lifestyle benefits, and professional growth opportunities that make it one of the most attractive destinations for international educators in the Middle East. The foremost financial advantage is Saudi Arabia's zero personal income tax. A teacher earning SAR 14,000 per month takes home every riyal, a dramatic contrast to the 20-40% effective tax rates teachers face in the UK, United States, Canada, or Australia. When this tax saving is combined with employer-provided housing or generous housing allowances, the savings potential for teachers in Jeddah is extraordinary and difficult to replicate in most Western countries.

Beyond finances, Jeddah is widely regarded as the most cosmopolitan and socially progressive city in Saudi Arabia. The sweeping social reforms introduced under Vision 2030 have transformed daily life, with cinemas, concerts, international sporting events, and mixed-gender social gatherings now routine. The city boasts a stunning Red Sea coastline with world-class diving and snorkeling, the historic Al-Balad district recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a rapidly developing restaurant and cafe culture, and a beautiful Corniche stretching along the waterfront. Weekend trips to the mountain resort town of Taif, the archaeological wonders of Al-Ula, or Umrah pilgrimages to nearby Makkah offer enriching cultural experiences unavailable anywhere else in the world.

Professionally, teaching in Jeddah provides exposure to truly multicultural classrooms where students come from Arab, South Asian, East Asian, European, and African backgrounds. This experience develops cross-cultural communication and pedagogical skills that are highly prized by international schools globally. Many educators use their Jeddah tenure as a springboard to leadership positions at premier institutions in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, or Europe. Leading international schools in Jeddah also invest heavily in teacher development, offering funded pathways to advanced qualifications such as the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), IB educator certificates, and specialist certifications in SEN, ESL, and educational technology.

Top Employers Hiring Teachers in Jeddah

Jeddah's international school sector features a mix of long-established institutions and newer entrants, each offering distinctive advantages for teaching professionals seeking rewarding careers in the Kingdom.

British International School of Jeddah (BISJ) is one of the oldest and most respected international schools in the city, delivering the English National Curriculum from early years through IGCSE and A-Levels to over 2,000 students. BISJ is known for its strong pastoral care ethos, well-resourced classrooms, and a supportive leadership team. Teachers benefit from a structured professional development program, competitive salary packages, and a collegial staff community. The school recruits across both primary and secondary phases, with particular demand for science, mathematics, and English specialists who hold UK Qualified Teacher Status.

American International School of Jeddah (AISJ) is accredited by the Middle States Association and delivers an American curriculum featuring Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school serves a predominantly expatriate student body and is known for its robust extracurricular program encompassing competitive athletics, Model United Nations, robotics, and performing arts. Teachers at AISJ enjoy American-style benefits packages including housing, annual flights, and tuition remission for dependent children. The school values candidates with US state teaching certification, experience with inquiry-based learning, and technology integration skills.

KAUST School operates within the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology campus and is arguably the most prestigious teaching appointment in the Jeddah region. Serving the children of KAUST researchers, faculty, and staff, the school delivers an inquiry-based curriculum with exceptionally small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities. Compensation at KAUST School is among the highest in the region, and teachers live within the university's self-contained community featuring swimming pools, sports facilities, a golf course, and Western-style amenities. The academic caliber of students is exceptionally high, making this an intellectually stimulating and rewarding environment for passionate educators.

Al-Faisal International Academy is part of the Al-Faisal education group and offers both British and American curriculum tracks. The academy has invested significantly in modern facilities including science laboratories, technology suites, maker spaces, and sports complexes. Teachers appreciate the school's commitment to educational innovation, competitive compensation, and clear promotion pathways within a well-structured institutional framework. The school actively recruits for both primary and secondary positions, with a particular focus on teachers who can deliver differentiated instruction in mixed-ability classrooms.

Dar Al Fikr Schools is a leading Saudi-owned institution delivering bilingual education in Arabic and English, known for its academic rigor and strong community values. Dar Al Fikr has earned multiple national and international awards for educational excellence and provides a unique opportunity for teachers to work in a dual-language environment that blends international best practices with Saudi educational values and Islamic principles. Teachers with experience in bilingual education, Arabic-English dual-language programs, or a demonstrated interest in culturally integrated pedagogy are especially valued at this institution.

City-Specific Resume Tips for Teachers in Jeddah

Crafting a teaching resume for Jeddah's international schools requires understanding the specific expectations of Saudi Arabian employers, which differ meaningfully from those in Western countries.

Include a professional photograph. Saudi employers universally expect a professional headshot on your CV. Use a high-quality photo with a neutral background, wearing professional attire. This is standard practice across the GCC, and omitting a photo may signal unfamiliarity with regional norms to hiring committees.

State your visa and availability status. Clearly indicate whether you are currently based in Saudi Arabia with a valid iqama (residency permit), or whether you are applying from abroad with a specific availability date. Schools plan recruitment around their academic calendar, and knowing your availability helps them assess the logistics of your candidacy.

Highlight curriculum-specific experience. Jeddah schools recruit for specific curricula. If you have taught the English National Curriculum, explicitly state your experience with Key Stages, IGCSE, and A-Levels, along with the exam boards you have worked with such as Cambridge, Edexcel, or AQA. For American curriculum schools, detail your experience with Common Core standards, AP courses, and standardized assessments. IB candidates should specify their experience with PYP, MYP, or DP programs and any IB training workshops completed.

Quantify your teaching impact. International schools in Jeddah are data-driven institutions. Include specific metrics such as the percentage of students achieving target grades, improvement in standardized test scores, reading level advancements, and participation rates in extracurricular programs you led. For example, state that 94% of your IGCSE Chemistry students achieved A*-C grades, or that you increased enrollment in the after-school coding club by 60% over two years.

Emphasize cross-cultural experience. If you have taught in multicultural environments, worked with English language learners, or adapted your pedagogy for diverse student populations, highlight this prominently. Previous experience in other GCC countries, Asia, or Africa is particularly valued by Jeddah schools.

List all certifications and professional development. Include QTS (UK), state teaching certification (US), PGCE, B.Ed, or M.Ed qualifications with specific details. Additionally, list specialized training in SEN, ESL/EAL, gifted education, educational technology, or safeguarding. These qualifications significantly differentiate candidates in a competitive applicant pool.

Keep your CV to two pages. While some Middle Eastern markets accept longer documents, international schools in Jeddah prefer concise, well-structured CVs that focus on your most recent and relevant five to eight years of teaching experience.

Salary Expectations for Teachers in Jeddah

Teacher salaries in Jeddah vary based on experience, qualifications, subject specialization, and the tier of school. All salaries are entirely tax-free, which dramatically enhances their real value when compared to equivalent positions in Western countries where teachers may lose 25-40% of gross salary to taxes.

Newly Qualified Teachers (0-2 years experience): SAR 7,000-10,000 per month. Entry-level positions at established international schools include accommodation and basic benefits. Teachers with strong subject specializations in STEM or SEN typically command the higher end of this range even with limited experience.

Mid-Career Teachers (3-7 years experience): SAR 10,000-14,000 per month. Teachers at this level with proven track records of student achievement and additional responsibilities such as department coordination, year group leadership, or pastoral care roles earn toward the upper end.

Experienced Teachers and Middle Leaders (8-15 years experience): SAR 14,000-18,000 per month. Heads of department, year group leaders, subject coordinators, and teachers with specialist qualifications in SEN coordination, curriculum development, or IB program leadership command premium salaries. Positions at KAUST School and other elite institutions may exceed these figures.

Senior Leadership (Assistant Principal, Deputy Head, Principal): SAR 18,000-28,000+ per month. Leadership positions require extensive international school experience and relevant leadership qualifications such as NPQSL, NPQH, or a Master's in Educational Leadership.

Beyond base salary, teaching packages in Jeddah typically include furnished accommodation or a housing allowance (SAR 3,000-6,000 monthly depending on school and family status), annual return flights for the teacher and dependents, comprehensive health insurance for the whole family, end-of-service gratuity (half a month's salary per year for the first five years, one full month per year thereafter), tuition fee discounts for dependent children (typically 50-100% at the employing school), and sometimes a relocation or settling-in allowance upon arrival.

Work Culture in Jeddah International Schools

Understanding Jeddah's professional culture is essential for teachers considering a move to Saudi Arabia. The environment blends international school professionalism with Saudi cultural traditions in ways that most educators find manageable and genuinely enriching after an initial adjustment period.

Working week and hours: The Saudi working week runs Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. School hours typically run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM for students, with teachers expected to remain until 3:00-3:30 PM for meetings, planning, and professional development activities. The shorter afternoon schedule compared to many Western schools is a significant quality-of-life benefit. During Ramadan, school hours are shortened by one to two hours per day.

School calendar: The academic year typically begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-June. Breaks include Saudi National Day (September 23), mid-year holidays, Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), and Eid al-Adha. Total holiday allowance is generous, often exceeding eight weeks per year, providing ample time for travel and rest.

Classroom environment: International schools in Jeddah maintain professional, modern classroom environments. Many schools have invested in one-to-one device programs, interactive displays, dedicated STEM labs, and maker spaces. Class sizes vary by school but typically range from 18 to 25 students, with lower ratios at premium institutions such as KAUST School.

Cultural considerations: Teachers should be aware of Saudi cultural norms including respect during prayer times, modest professional dress, and sensitivity during religious observances. Jeddah is considerably more relaxed socially than other Saudi cities, but teachers are expected to demonstrate cultural awareness and respect. Most schools provide comprehensive cultural orientation during onboarding.

Visa and Work Permit Guide for Teachers in Jeddah

Working as a teacher in Saudi Arabia requires a valid employment visa and iqama (residency permit), both sponsored and processed by your employing school. Understanding the documentation process in advance helps you avoid delays and arrive prepared.

Employment visa process: After accepting a job offer, your school initiates the visa process through the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The school obtains a work visa block number, which allows you to apply for a visa at the Saudi Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks from offer acceptance to visa issuance, though timelines vary by country of origin.

Required documents: You will need a valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity, original educational certificates attested through a multi-step process (university verification, home country Foreign Ministry authentication, Saudi Embassy authentication), a medical fitness report from an approved clinic, police clearance certificate from your current and recent countries of residence, passport-sized photographs, and your signed employment contract. Schools generally provide a detailed checklist and guidance for the attestation process, which can take 2-6 weeks on its own and should be started immediately upon accepting an offer.

Iqama (residency permit): Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, your school processes your iqama, which serves as your primary identification document in the Kingdom. The iqama is tied to your employer and typically valid for one to two years, renewable throughout your employment. You cannot travel internationally or conduct official transactions without a valid iqama.

Dependent visas: Teachers earning SAR 10,000 or more per month can sponsor their spouse and children (under 18, or under 25 if in full-time education) on dependent visas. Schools typically assist with the dependent visa process. Required documents include attested marriage and birth certificates, family medical examinations, and proof of adequate accommodation.

Labor mobility: Saudi Arabia has significantly reformed its labor laws in recent years, relaxing the kafala (sponsorship) system. Teachers can now change employers upon contract completion or with proper notice without requiring employer consent. Two-year initial contracts are standard, renewable based on mutual agreement and performance.

Jeddah-Tailored Teacher Resume Template

Professional Summary

Dedicated and results-oriented Secondary Science Teacher with 7+ years of experience delivering the British National Curriculum to diverse, multicultural student populations across the GCC region. Currently based in Jeddah with a valid Saudi iqama. Proven track record of outstanding IGCSE results, with 94% of students attaining A*-C grades in 2025. Experienced in differentiated instruction for English language learners, gifted students, and students with special educational needs. Skilled in integrating educational technology into lesson planning using Google Classroom, ManageBac, and interactive laboratory simulations. Passionate about fostering scientific curiosity and critical thinking in students from over 30 nationalities.

Work Experience

Head of Science Department — British International School of Jeddah

August 2022 - Present

• Lead a department of 8 science teachers across biology, chemistry, and physics, coordinating curriculum mapping, assessment moderation, and resource allocation for 420 secondary students across Years 7-13
• Achieved a department-wide IGCSE pass rate of 94% A*-C grades in 2025, up from 82% in 2022, through implementation of targeted intervention programs and data-driven differentiation strategies
• Designed and launched a cross-curricular STEM enrichment program that increased student participation in regional science competitions by 65%, resulting in three gold medals at the Saudi STEM Olympiad
• Introduced laboratory safety protocols aligned with CLEAPSS international guidelines, maintaining zero safety incidents across three consecutive academic years
• Mentored three newly qualified teachers through their induction year, conducting weekly lesson observations, providing written developmental feedback, and facilitating monthly professional development workshops
• Managed a departmental budget of SAR 180,000 annually, strategically procuring laboratory equipment, chemicals, and digital resources while maintaining cost efficiency and compliance with school financial procedures

Science Teacher (Chemistry and Biology) — Al-Faisal International Academy, Jeddah

September 2019 - July 2022

• Taught IGCSE and AS-Level Chemistry and Biology to students in Years 10-13, consistently achieving results above the school target of 85% A*-C with personal best of 96% in IGCSE Chemistry
• Developed differentiated lesson plans for mixed-ability classes containing students with varying English language proficiency, including EAL learners from Arabic, Urdu, Tagalog, and Mandarin language backgrounds
• Established a lunchtime Science Club attracting 30 regular attendees, featuring hands-on experiments, guest scientist speakers from KAUST, and student-led research presentations
• Coordinated the annual Science Fair managing logistics for 75 student projects, recruiting external judges from local universities, and organizing a public exhibition attended by 350 parents and community members
• Completed IB Chemistry Higher Level teaching certification during tenure, expanding the school's capacity to offer dual-curriculum pathways for senior students

Cover Letter Guidance for Jeddah Teaching Positions

Your cover letter for a Jeddah teaching position should open by naming the specific school and position, demonstrating that you have researched the institution thoroughly. Reference the school's mission statement, recent inspection outcomes, or curriculum approach to show genuine interest and alignment. In the body of your letter, connect your teaching philosophy and classroom methodology to the school's stated ethos. For example, if applying to BISJ, emphasize your commitment to pastoral care and holistic education. If applying to AISJ, highlight your experience with American educational standards and AP courses. If targeting Dar Al Fikr, discuss your interest in bilingual education and culturally integrated pedagogy.

Address the multicultural dimension of teaching in Jeddah explicitly. Describe specific strategies you use to support English language learners, adapt materials for diverse cultural backgrounds, and create truly inclusive classroom environments. Provide concrete examples and quantified outcomes rather than general statements about valuing diversity. Mention your willingness and enthusiasm to contribute to the wider school community through extracurricular activities, residential trips, and community events, as international schools in Jeddah place significant value on teachers who engage meaningfully beyond the classroom walls.

Close by clearly stating your availability date, current visa status, and willingness to attend a video interview at a time convenient for the school. If you are already based in Saudi Arabia, mention this prominently as it simplifies logistics and reduces onboarding timelines for the school. Include a brief statement about your genuine interest in Jeddah specifically, perhaps referencing the city's cultural heritage, its Red Sea coastline, or the professional growth opportunities available in the Saudi education sector under Vision 2030. Avoid generic cover letters that could apply to any school in any country; specificity and authentic enthusiasm are what set successful applications apart.