How are teachers hired in Finland?

Starting from basic education, Finnish teachers must hold a master's degree in education, or in their specific field. Entrance tests assess aspects such as academic studying skills and aptitude for the profession.

How are teachers selected 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.

How can I work as a teacher in Finland?

Classroom teachers get a master's degree in educational science (ETCS 300 cr). This degree qualifies to serve as a classroom teacher and as a pre-school teacher. The compulsory education in Finland lasts nine years, from the age of 7 to the age of 16.

Can a US teacher 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 in demand in Finland?

As the teaching profession is held in high regard, teachers with advanced and specialized degrees are in particular demand in Finland.

Learning to Teach in Practice: Finland's Teacher Training Schools

How does Finland treat their teachers?

Teachers are respected. Their autonomy is paired with great responsibility. They, and society, know that the future of children lies in their hands.

Do teachers get paid a lot in Finland?

Originally Answered: How much money does a teacher in Finland make? Elementary school teacher makes about 30 000€ a year minus taxes on grades 1–6. On these grades one teacher gives all lectures on different subjects. On grades 7–9 every teacher has his own subject, and they make about 36 000€ a year.

How much do teachers make in Finland in US dollars?

The average salary for primary education teachers with 15 years experience in Finland is about $37,500, compared to $45,225 in the United States. Moreover, the cost of living in Finland is about 30% higher. In short: higher teacher salaries are not what make Finland's education system better than ours.

How many hours do teachers teach in Finland?

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.

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.

Can a foreigner be a teacher in Finland?

If your foreign degree is at least bachelor's level, you can apply to the Finnish National Agency for Education for a decision on the recognition of the level of your higher education degree and any teacher education studies.

Why are Finnish teachers so good?

The criteria for entering the teaching profession in Finland is high, and most teachers have advanced degrees. When you start with a higher caliber teacher, so much more is possible in the classroom. High quality teachers allow for trust, decentralized control, and freedom to do what's best for students.

Are teachers in Finland unionized?

During their work in school, most teachers – in fact, over 95 percent – are members of the Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ), an association of all educators, which belongs to the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professionals in Finland (AKAVA).

Are teachers treated well in Finland?

3/ Teachers are treated like royalty

According to multiple sources, Finnish teachers are some of the best treated around the world. Not only are Finnish teachers paid more money than American ones on average, they also work nearly half as many hours.

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.

Are teachers underpaid in Finland?

Generally speaking, teachers in Norway and Finland are paid well compared to teachers in many other countries around the world. Both Norway and Finland have strong and well-funded education systems that prioritize teacher salaries and professional development as key components of improving student outcomes.

How hard is it to become a teacher in Finland?

Teacher Recruitment

Finnish teacher education programs, like most graduate programs in Finland, are highly selective. Historically, only one out of every ten applicants to primary education programs is admitted; while that number has increased slightly, it is still highly competitive.

What is true about teachers in Finland?

Nearly all Finnish teachers have master's degree.

In addition, teacher students in primary and secondary schools get to apply their skills in actual learning environments during their studies as Universities in Finland have teacher training schools that ensure a close relationship between theory and practice.

How long is a school week in Finland?

Children in Finland attend school five days a week and have weekends off, just like most children in the United States. Classes are shorter, though. Each 60-minute study period includes a 15-minute break.

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 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.

What country pays teachers the best?

What is the average age of teachers in Finland?

In Finland, teachers are, on average, 45 years old, which is higher than the average age of teachers across OECD countries and economies participating in TALIS (44 years old). Furthermore, 35% of teachers in Finland are aged 50 and above (OECD average 34%).

What is the teacher quality in Finland?

In Finland, the work of teachers is not measured using standardized test outcomes or universal appraisal procedures. Rather, the assessment of teachers is focused on professional development at the individual level.