What it takes to become a teacher in Finland?

In Finland, teachers are required to have a master's degree, including pedagogical studies and teaching practice. Teacher education is research-based. Added to wide expertise in learning and teaching, teacher qualification includes social, ethical and moral competence.

What are the requirements to be a teacher in Finland?

Teachers in pre-primary education have university education. They are either ECEC teachers with a minimum of a bachelor's degree or class teachers with a master's degree. In general basic and upper secondary education all teachers are required to have a master's degree.

Can a US teacher teach in Finland?

Most positions teaching English in Finland will require you to have a degree; some even ask for a teaching license from your home country. Provided you have a TEFL certification, and you may be able to find some roles at language schools.

Are teachers in demand in Finland?

High demand for English teachers: English is a widely spoken language in Finland and there is a high demand for qualified English teachers in the country. Strong education system: Finland has a strong education system and is known for its high-quality schools.

How long is teacher training in Finland?

Primary school teacher training programs are four years. Students must major in education, with a minor in two primary school curriculum subject areas. Secondary school teacher programs are five years. Students must major in the subject they will teach and then do a year of pedagogical training.

How I Became a Teacher in Finland | VLOGUST 2

Is it hard to become a teacher in Finland?

In Finland, teachers are required to have a master's degree, including pedagogical studies and teaching practice. Teacher education is research-based. Added to wide expertise in learning and teaching, teacher qualification includes social, ethical and moral competence.

Can foreign teachers teach in Finland?

If you have completed your qualification abroad and wish to practice a regulated teaching profession in Finland, you will usually need to apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a decision on eligibility.

Are teachers paid well in Finland?

The estimated total pay for a Teacher is €3,700 per month in the Helsinki, Finland area, with an average salary of €2,700 per month. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

How does Finland treat their teachers?

The country does not have classroom inspectors or supervisors. In its place, principals act as pedagogical leaders and provide teachers with trust and steering, instead of control. Teachers are encouraged to work in close collaboration with their peers, constantly mentoring and tutoring each other.

How many hours a week do teachers in Finland work?

And yes, teachers in Finland also have good working conditions in schools and a moderate teaching load by international standards. According to the recent Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) by the OECD, middle school teachers in Finland teach, on average, 21 hours and work 32 hours a week.

Are teachers respected in Finland?

First, a rigorous graduate degree and at least five years of full-time study serve as the foundation of the teaching profession in Finland. Teachers are highly respected as professionals because their basic education and training compare with that of other professionals—doctors, lawyers, architects, and engineers.

What language is used to teach in Finland?

The two official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish and the main language of instruction in most higher education institutions is Finnish. That said, Finland has been described as one of the top 5 English-speaking countries for non-native fluency and there are lots of English-taught degree programs available.

How many hours do Finnish teachers work?

Finnish teachers work on average 32 hours a week, below the 38-hour average in the developed world. But while total work hours are short, Finnish teachers are second only to Canadian teachers in the time they spend actually teaching, as opposed to doing paperwork, grading, counseling students or individual planning.

Why are teachers respected in Finland?

Prospective teachers undergo rigorous preparation and, once certified, are given exceptional decision-making authority over things like curriculum and assessment. Finnish teachers command the same level of trust and autonomy that professionals in other fields do, such as medicine or law.

How much do Finland teachers make in dollars?

Teachers in Finland are not paid higher salaries than those in the United States. Teachers in the US with 15 years of experience earn 45,000 per year as opposed to the 37,000 per year that teachers, with 15 years experience, in Finland earn per year.

What is different about teachers in Finland?

Teachers consult with colleagues

In Finland the teachers are not constantly evaluated based on how well the class is doing, rather they are trusted to do the job well without too many restrictions. That allows teachers to merge classes if necessary to let the students experience different methods of teaching.

How long is the school day in Finland?

Finland School Hours

Typically, the Finnish school day starts anywhere from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and students typically spend only about five hours a day in the classroom.

What is true about teachers in Finland?

Students in Finland often have the same teacher for up to six years of their education. During this time, the teacher can take on the role of a mentor or even a family member. During those years, mutual trust and bonding are built so that both parties know and respect each other.

What is the cost of living in Finland?

Cost of living in Finland

One person spends about 900 euros per month on basic necessities, not including rent. A family of two should count on 2,500 euros per month, including rent. Renting a one-room apartment in the capital of Finland will cost from €750. Utilities in Finland are about 250 euros per month.

What country pays teachers the best?

Do Finnish teachers need a Masters?

Teacher education vs.

All teachers in Finland must hold a master's degree either in education (primary school teachers) or in subjects that they teach (lower- and upper-secondary school teachers).

What is the difference between Finland's teachers and United States teachers?

Teachers in Finland spend fewer hours at school each day and spend less time in classrooms than American teachers. Teachers use the extra time to build curriculums and assess their students. Children spend far more time playing outside, even in the depths of winter. Homework is minimal.

Does Finland require teachers to have a master's degree?

For decades, Finnish teachers have been required to obtain a master's degree. Our teacher education is research-based, meaning the programs involve an integration of educational theories, research methodologies and practice – building an understanding of how teaching and learning are related to each other.

Why is Finland #1 in education?

The Finnish education system is based on common values: democracy, equality, inclusivity and respect for many talents and abilities. We have practically no private schools (except for some Steiner schools, a few Christian schools and some very old private schools that don't really differ much from public schools).