Making the difference in Teacher Education

The learning outcomes of Finnish comprehensive schools have been found to be excellent in international comparisons in the PISA (Programme for International Students Assessment) studies carried out by OECD member states.

Why did Finland do so well in PISA?

Teachers working at all levels of education are well-trained and strongly committed to their work. All teachers are required to hold a Master's degree and initial teacher training includes teaching practice. The teaching profession is highly respected and popular in Finland, which makes it possible to select the best young students. Teachers have an independent position in their work.

Teacher Education in Finland

University-based teacher education programmes in Finland are very popular. In 2010 over 6 600 applicants competed for 660 available slots in primary school preparation programmes in the 8 universities that educate teachers.

Teacher candidates are not only expected to become familiar with the knowledge base in education and human development, but they are required to write a research-based dissertation as the final requirement for the masters degree.

The Teacher Training Programs of Finland reflect the high status of teachers and the professional reputation of the teaching profession.

More structured teacher training than anywhere else?

Teacher Training Schools in Finland have a high degree of autonomy. Teacher Training in Finland is research-based and fast cyclical.

 

Here are two videoclips from Finland. Mainly shooted in teacher training schools in Helsinki and Turku.

 

Trailer of The Finland Phenomenon. Featuring Harvard researcher Tony Wagner, this movie explores the reasons behind Finland's amazing success as the #1 ranked education system on Earth.

 

  

Finnish Teacher Training Schools - FTTS map of Finnish Teacher Training Schools

  • Teacher education takes place at universities in Finland
  • There are 13 Teacher Training schools.
  • Schools are administratively part of the faculties of education.
  • Schools enjoy total independence.
  • Their operations are governed and financed by the universities

 

Teacher Training School of the University of Lapland Oulu Teacher Training School Primary Teacher Training School of Kajaani University of Jyväskylä Teacher Training School the University Teacher Training School at Joensuu Savonlinna University Practice School Tampere Teacher Training School Practising School of University of Tampere Rauma Teacher Training School TURUN NORMAALIKOULU TEACHER TRAINING SCHOOL Teacher Training School of Viikki Teacher Training School of Helsinki