What is the hiring process at Concordia?
Concordia accepts new applications in the fall. Staffing needs for the coming year are finalized by mid October. Applications should include a completed application form, a cover letter, a resume and letters of reference. A face-to-face or virtual interview is preferred. Successful applications will be notified regarding next steps.
Why does Concordia choose to hire teachers who model our values?
As our mission states, we view every student as a gift from God, and are committed in Christian stewardship to educate students holistically, which includes intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. We have found that quality educators who are Christian, intentionally nurture their students while providing the rigorous and comprehensive educational experience our parents desire for their children. At Concordia we look for teachers with depth in both their professional lives and faith walk.
Can you explain the salary and benefits?
Concordia offers teachers a highly competitive salary. Benefits for overseas hires include: housing, retirement plan, worldwide medical insurance, relocation allowance, school fees at Concordia for teachers’ children, tech equipment for professional use (currently this includes a MacBook and iPad-if needed), professional development allowance, annual passage allowance in support of home leave, medical evacuation, disability insurance, college student home-visit allowance, and the school pays the all Chinese taxes.
Get more information on Overseas Expat Faculty, Local Expat Faculty, Housing Benefit, Salary Schedule.
Do you hire teachers with a non-teaching spouse?
Concordia prefers to hire teaching couples. All qualified applicants will be considered. Teachers with non- teaching spouses are limited to 2 dependents in the school.
What does it mean that Concordia teachers integrate technology into the classroom?
Technology isn’t a class at Concordia; it’s a way of learning. Concordia is committed to providing students and teachers access to the latest technology tools and expertise. All Concordia students in grades K-12 enjoy a 1:1 student to device ratio. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 use iPads to support learning in the classroom. Students in Grade 5 are equipped with MacBooks to use at school. Grades 6-12 participate in a 1:1 "bring your own" MacBook program.
Teachers receive technology training and support from the tech department. Each teacher is equipped with a laptop computer, iPad (if needed), as well as a variety of other technology tools to support curriculum and instruction.
Does Concordia support professional development?
The most important professional development occurs as teachers work in teams and plan together, which is common at Concordia. Concordia also sponsors teachers to attend workshops that further the goals the school is working on. Outside experts come to campus, sometimes in collaboration with other international schools in the area. Each teacher has an annual fund of RMB10,000 (approximately US$1,400) to spend on professional opportunities that support her/his professional goals.
What is life like in Shanghai?
Shanghai is a destination of choice in Asia. Home to the 2010 World Expo, it is a cosmopolitan city with a unique blend of Western and Eastern influences. The arts flourish in concert halls and galleries; big- name concerts and sporting events grow more frequent; and restaurants offering food from around the world are readily available. In its mission to be a world city, Shanghai has worked to assure that the city grows in a balanced way. Hundreds of acres of parks have been created in recent years to balance the growth of new industrial zones. The greater city of Shanghai and the local neighborhood offer a variety of cultural and social opportunities for both families and singles. Life for many teachers centers around the people of the Concordia community.
Air quality has been of greater concern in recent years; however, the government is actively working to improve overall air quality. All buildings on campus are equipped with air filtration systems so that, on occasions when it is required, the indoor air quality at Concordia is significantly better than US EPA limits.
What is the neighborhood like where Concordia is located?
Concordia and teacher housing are conveniently located in a modern area of Pudong called Jinqiao, where many expatriates live in single-family homes as well as low-rise and high-rise apartment buildings. Several other schools are also located in the Jinqiao area. Nicknamed “Green City,” its tree-lined streets are home to a number of western restaurants, Carrefour supermarket, Mega Fit gym, and more. Taxi service and ride hailing services are easy to find and access to two metro lines are within walking distance from the school. Biking is a primary mode of transportation around the area.
What is housing like? When will I know my housing assignment?
Concordia informs new hires of their housing assignment prior to their arrival in August, typically by the end of June.
All new faculty members live in apartments appropriate for their family-size within a comfortable walk or bike ride from the school. The school provides basic appliances and pays the rent; the teacher, in most cases, furnishes the apartment and pays utilities. These apartment complexes were built with expatriate living in mind; many Concordia families choose to live there as well. Click to see samples of different apartment layouts.
When do new teachers arrive in Shanghai? What will happen at orientation?
New teachers and their families arrive at the beginning of August or late July. Concordia will arrange transportation from the airport and communicate specific details about arrivals closer to that time. During the first days in Shanghai, as part of new faculty orientation, teachers and their families will be introduced to the city, assisted in setting up their homes and given an overview of Concordia. With the return of all teachers, they will shift from orientation and join faculty meetings at the divisional and grade level. The first day of school is typically mid-August.
How do teachers get additional information prior to moving to Shanghai?
Concordia regularly distributes information to new hires through e-mail, individual Zoom calls, a New Hires WeChat group, monthly New Hire Group Zoom Sessions, and through on-site teacher pen-pals and mentors. Concordia’s website has a wealth of information about the school, as well as links to information and organizations around Shanghai.
Why do families choose Concordia over other school options in Shanghai?
Since we were founded in 1998, Concordia has rapidly earned a reputation for excellent teaching and strong academics within a caring community. While it is something of a cliche to talk about educating the “whole child,” at Concordia we "practice what we preach" and do just that by including the spiritual aspect of holistic teaching too. Many families also choose Concordia because they can walk or bike to school from their home in Jinqiao, a green and leafy hub for expatriate families. There are many other reasons too, but most commonly we hear families say, "We just felt something different when we are on campus." We believe that what they are feeling is the impact of our faculty who choose to live out their faith.
Where are Concordia faculty from?
The majority (59 percent) of our 164 faculty and administrators are from the United States. Other countries represented are Australia, Bahamas, Canada, China, Colombia, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and Venezuela.
What are medical services like in Shanghai?
Medical care options catering to expatriates have increased dramatically over the past few years. Branches of Parkway Health, Huashan Worldwide Medical Center and the International Medical Center of Ruidong Hospital are just blocks from Concordia; 15 minutes away is the Yosemite Urgent Care Clinic, Sino United and United Family Hospital with emergency room facilities; Children’s Medical Center is a 25-minute drive; other options include local hospitals and international clinics (if located in Puxi, 45- to 60-minute drive). Second opinions are provided by our insurance via the Tele-doc and many choose non- emergency surgery in Thailand, other locations in Asia or their home country.
Employment Opportunities
Discover excellence in a faith foundation learning community
A Collaborative Environment
We foster a collegial environment where working together is every day practice. We believe that teamwork is the key to unlocking our students' potential. Our administrators' doors are always open, and support is not just a word; it's a tangible part of our culture.
Teach With Purpose
If you're seeking the top international school for teachers where excellence is nurtured and growth is a way of life, Concordia Shanghai is the place for you. Join our team, and together, let's create a future where students - and educators - reach new heights.
Our Mission
At Concordia, we view every student as a gift from God, entrusted to us by parents, and are committed in Christian stewardship to educate students holistically in a nurturing environment that includes comprehensive and challenging opportunities in academics, creative arts, spirituality, athletics, extra-curricular activities and service.
Discover what it means to teach at one of the best international schools in Shanghai
What We Believe
Our core descriptors include:
Community
Shared Values
Pioneering
Academic
Holistic
Passionate
Who We Are
Passionate and Professional
Concordia’s dedicated teachers enthusiastically commit their time, effort, and care to foster the growth and well-being of each and every student. They employ innovative and constructive teaching methods to holistically engage and challenge our diverse student body. As one of the best international schools in Shanghai, we recognize that our educators are the driving force behind our success.
Learn More about Living in Shanghai for Teachers
Learn More about Working at Concordia Shanghai
Please be aware of recruiting scams that may target international school faculty. You can read our statement here, as well as some expectations for applying to work at Concordia International School Shanghai.
Since April 2017, China has implemented a new work permit policy. Please see each step of the requirement process here so you can begin to prepare your necessary paperwork.
Concordia International School Shanghai takes child safety very seriously and we hold our employees to high expectations, including a thorough background check, review process, and annual training.
We have found that empowered teachers communicate a passion for learning. At Concordia we believe that a passion for learning is essential to achieving life success.
What is the hiring process at Concordia?
Why does Concordia choose to hire teachers who model our values?
Can you explain the salary and benefits?
Do you hire teachers with a non-teaching spouse?
What does it mean that Concordia teachers integrate technology into the classroom?
Does Concordia support professional development?
What is life like in Shanghai?
What is the neighborhood like where Concordia is located?
What is housing like? When will I know my housing assignment?
When do new teachers arrive in Shanghai? What will happen at orientation?
How do teachers get additional information prior to moving to Shanghai?
Why do families choose Concordia over other school options in Shanghai?
Where are Concordia faculty from?
What are medical services like in Shanghai?
Current Openings for 2025-2026 School Year
Each fall we begin to identify positions likely to be open the following year and generally complete recruiting by late January. However, we accept applications at any time and will keep them on file for future vacancies.
Important Notice: Concordia’s Human Resources Department directly manages our recruitment process. We DO NOT engage any local recruitment agencies for our faculty openings.
If you are interested in applying, please follow the official application procedures listed on our Careers page. Click on an opening below to learn more about the position. At the end of the file you will be asked to click on a button to complete an application.
Due to age restrictions in China, we are not able to consider applicants who will be older than 58 on August 1 of the year of their initial contract.
It is required that teaching candidates have certification/license.
As a school founded on Christian values by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, we intentionally recruit passionate and professional Christian educators who are masters in their content area. Our teaching faculty educate the whole child, actively engaging students, setting high standards, addressing learner needs and promoting cultural sensitivity.
Questions should be directed to recruitment@concordiashanghai.org