Would you like to work in Dutch education, but not as a teacher? Working as a teaching assistant is a great way to support students in their development within or beyond the classroom setting. In the Netherlands, several support roles exist, each with its own responsibilities. In this article, you'll learn about the different support roles, the qualifications that are often required and the career opportunities available.

The Dutch educational system distinguishes three official teaching qualifications: a primary education qualification, a second degree qualification and a first degree qualification. Important terms to become familiar with are: qualified, competent and appointable.

For teachers in bilingual education, the same criteria apply as for teachers at other secondary schools: you will need to possess a second or first degree teaching qualification. Additionally, bilingual school teachers must also have sufficient command of the English language.

Depending on the sector in which you want to teach and where you obtained your teaching qualification, you must be able to demonstrate your command of the Dutch language.

The Dutch education system consists of many levels, starting with primary education, special needs education after which there are several forms of secondary education, followed by three forms of post-secondary education. The highest degree in the education system is a PhD.

In some cases it is possible to teach in the Netherlands with a foreign teaching qualification. Your qualification must first be recognized by DUO, and often you will have to meet certain language requirements.

The steps you need to take to become a teacher in the Netherlands depend on whether or not you already have a foreign teaching qualification.