Teach English in Ukraine

English as a foreign language has long ceased to be just a subject in Ukrainian schools. 

It has become a tool that opens doors to new opportunities, enables engagement on an international level, and shapes the future of young people in our country.

In recent years, the education system in Ukraine has undergone numerous changes in an effort to meet modern standards and provide quality education. 

But let's delve into why English is so important in Ukraine and the challenges that teachers face.

Not too long ago, the attitude towards English in Ukraine was fairly casual: it was taught in schools, but without much enthusiasm. 

However, everything has changed in recent years, particularly with Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union.

In 2024, the Ukrainian president signed the law establishing English as the official language of international communication in Ukraine. 

This not only underscores its importance in the education system but also opens new opportunities for integration into the European community. 

Of course, the war has added complications: many people were forced to move abroad and faced difficulties due to a lack of language skills. 

Now, with this new legislation, English is becoming even more relevant, providing us with the chance to better prepare for modern challenges and opportunities.

However, despite all these changes, the general level of English proficiency among Ukrainians still leaves much to be desired. 

A study conducted a year ago showed that 43.8% of Ukrainians do not know English at all. 

The introduction of compulsory English learning and the elevation of its status should play a key role in improving these figures.

The requirements for teaching English vary depending on where you plan to work — be it a school, language courses, or a university.

Teaching experience in schools is usually not mandatory but is certainly welcomed, especially if you’ve already conducted a few lessons or completed the mandatory teaching practice during your university studies.

If you’re interested in working at language courses, the requirements might be less stringent. 

Often, it’s enough to have a high level of English (for instance, a C1 or C2 certificate) and to have completed a teacher training course such as CELTA, TESOL or TEFL.

You can easily obtain these qualifications through online courses at Grade University, which you can take anytime, anywhere. 

For teaching English at a university, the requirements are the most rigorous. 

You need not only to have graduated from a relevant university programme but also to hold a master’s degree or higher. 

Teaching experience and academic publications are also crucial. 

In general, the requirements can vary, but the most important thing is your desire to grow in this profession and to help others learn the English language.

When considering a career in teaching English in Ukraine, it's natural to be curious about the expected salaries and benefits. Let’s break it down.

Salaries for English teachers in Ukraine vary depending on where you work. 

If you're employed in a public school, the salary, unfortunately, isn’t very high. 

A new teacher can expect to earn between 8,000 to 12,000 UAH per month. 

With experience, additional qualifications, and a higher workload, this amount can increase to around 15,000 hryvnias. 

Plus, there are occasional bonuses, but these depend on the school’s funding and policies. 

Additionally, there are social guarantees like paid sick leave and maternity leave.

If you’re working at private language schools, the salary can be higher. 

Teachers at these courses often earn between 200 to 500 UAH per academic hour. 

It all depends on the course, your experience, and the level of your students. 

If you have a lot of lessons, your salary can reach up to 20,000 UAH, or even more.

University English teachers earn more than school teachers, but the requirements are also higher. 

A university lecturer’s salary can start from 15,000 hryvnias and go up to 25,000 hryvnias or more, depending on experience, academic degrees, and position. 

While the salaries in this profession aren’t always high, many teachers find joy in the work itself and in connecting with their students. 

The option to freelance or offer private lessons also allows for increased income and helps find a balance between salary and personal life.

The most common path for English teachers in Ukraine is working in private language schools.

Many teachers also find work on online platforms, which have become particularly popular with the rise of remote learning. 

Teaching online allows you to work with students from various countries, helping you to develop your skills and gain valuable experience. 

Numerous job openings can be found on specialised platforms, and we've written more about these in our blog Top TEFL Job Boards and Listings for 2024.

By the way, Grade Education Centre is always on the lookout for talented teachers who are ready to join the team and work with students of varying levels.

There’s also the Teach for Ukraine project. Teachers involved in this project work in rural and remote schools, supporting children who are particularly in need. 

If you're driven to make education accessible and high-quality for all, this is your chance to pass on your knowledge and inspire the next generation to reach great heights.

The future of teaching English in Ukraine certainly looks promising. 

In the past, many encountered outdated textbooks and methods in schools, which weren’t always effective for modern students. 

Lessons often boiled down to memorising rules and translating texts, which, let’s be honest, could kill any enthusiasm for learning the language.

But things are changing now. 

The transformation has been especially noticeable with the rise of online learning. 

Platforms like Zoom have become a real game-changer — now, engaging lessons can be conducted remotely, using interactive whiteboards, games, and group discussions.

The flexibility of these classes means that students can revisit lesson recordings and complete assignments at times that suit them best.

So, the future of teaching English in Ukraine looks exciting. 

Modern technologies and new approaches are opening up a world of possibilities for both students and teachers, leading to more effective learning experiences.

In conclusion, teaching English in Ukraine has come a long way. 

It’s encouraging to see that we’re not standing still, but actively embracing new methods and technologies that make learning more engaging. 

Whether it’s classroom lessons or online sessions, the important thing is that we have all the tools to ensure that both children and adults can enjoy learning English and reach their goals. 

And who knows what other changes await us in the future? 

One thing’s for sure — the future of English in Ukraine looks bright, especially with skilled teachers leading the way.