What is it like to be an American teacher at a bilingual school in Finland? If you ask me, it’s pretty great. Although there are a lot of things I appreciate about the education I received in my own country, I feel extremely grateful for ending up in Finland, and more specifically at this beautiful yellow school building full of amazing teachers and students.
When I arrived in Finland fresh out of college to teach here (20 years ago!), I was in for a bit of a shock. I have to teach cross country skiing? And knitting? What?!? And there’s also ice skating, music, P.E., woodwork, religion, sewing, and art? But…ummm…. I’m not sure I even know how to do any of those things, let alone teach them. And wait, is it really allowed to talk about God at school?
I could write for hours about all of the differences between the American and Finnish systems, but I will try to focus on 3 things I love about teaching here along with the one thing from the US system that I’ve tried to keep with me.
The first thing I really value here is freedom. The teachers in Finland know the curriculum well and there are plenty of quality resources available, but the teachers have a lot of influence in exactly how to deliver the content to students. We can create lessons that suit our own students’ learning styles, and do it in a way that feels comfortable with our own teaching personalities. When we believe in what we are teaching and are not told exactly what to do and say, this will definitely be noticed by the students and the lessons will automatically become more engaging and dynamic for everyone.
The second thing that comes to mind is lifelong learning and real world life skills. The world is constantly changing around us, and humans are meant to learn, adapt, and grow. Teaching here has given me the opportunity to learn a variety of new skills (knitting is now my favorite hobby!), and to develop a ‘lifelong learner’ mentality. There are always new subjects and topics to learn about, new students, and new grade levels to teach. This is very unlike the system I grew up in where a first grader teacher was most likely a first grade teacher teaching the exact same core subjects for 20 or 30 years. I have witnessed how important it is to not only teach the core subjects that are focused on in the US, but also basic life skills needed for creativity and happiness. Seeing a bunch of 5th grade boys sitting around a table knitting is still one of the most heartwarming and memorable teaching moments for me.
A third thing I appreciate is the value of free time. School days in the US are usually from around 8.30-15.00 every day, from first grade to sixth grade. There is often very limited recess time, and very little ‘free’ time during the day. The learning standards are so rigorous that the teachers have to constantly move forward to prepare for the next state or national test that’s around the corner. Despite school days being so much shorter here, I really don’t think there is any less learning being done. The teaching is efficient and effective, and the free time gives the children the brain break they need for the learning to really sink it and stick with them. For first to third graders especially, free time or ‘playtime’ is where some of the most valuable learning is done. This makes the academic learning in school even easier.
The one thing I feel I have taken with me from the US is a positive, colorful, and happy environment. I am a huge fan of positive pedagogy, and I feel that school should be a happy place of learning where every student is valued for their special contribution to the classroom. When students feel safe, important, and happy, some really amazing learning can take place each and every day. Our classroom is known for always having a color explosion going on, piano music drifting out of the room, kindness posters displayed on every wall, and lots of noise and laughter throughout the day. School is fun!
To summarize, I am extremely happy and thankful to have the opportunity to teach here. I get to share my native English skills and at the same time practice my Finnish, which is still a work in progress. I am hopeful that the children see my Finnish skills as an example that it’s ok to make mistakes in any language you are learning. We all have something we need to work on! As long as you are understood and smile a lot, everything will be ok. :)
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| The door to my classroom |
