Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1315612
Yet, in a Kindergarten class, I was amazed to watch six-year-old students dress themselves in layers as they prepared to go outside. I noticed that the children move about at will. They have free time—"guided play"—all day. When they tire, there are nap rooms, complete with Murphy beds. Finnish schools are designed and operated to generate a warm and comfortable atmosphere. With so much free time built into every hour of the school day, Kindergarten through 9th-grade students wander and explore. When teachers are trusted, they exceed expectations The six principals felt strongly that students and teachers should be trusted with their learning. Given much autonomy, teachers are entrusted to run their own classrooms. That respect promotes a healthy professional atmosphere. They are also encouraged—and celebrated— whenever they collaborate with each other. A national curriculum gives teachers a sound foundation, but, as Mr. Leppänen states, "There are many roads to take." Teachers feel comfortable and empowered to take the class and students in various directions and at appropriate paces. Teachers in Finland must earn a three-year, state-funded, research-based master's degree to qualify for teaching. Regardless of their chosen subject, training includes courses in special education. Teaching positions are highly coveted. Pasi Sahlberg, a Finnish education expert and the director of the Center for International Mobility in Finland's Ministry of Education and Culture, says that only one in ten primary school teacher applicants are accepted. "It's harder to get into primary school education than a medical program." In Finland, teaching is also one of the most revered professions; at every grade level, teachers are treated like university professors. Every principal has, at one point in his or her career, served as a teacher. Once they are in the classroom, teachers spend time in all areas of the school—they complete a "rotation," much like training in a U.S. medical school. This experience broadens a teacher's competencies and deepens their understanding and investment in the school. All of this resonated strongly with Trevor's mission. Positive Psychology and Pedagogy Throughout the building at Nepenmäki Koulu, a K–5 school in Joensuu, there are visible reminders in the hallways under the heading Prokoulu—which means "pro-school." Principal Jyrki Huusko stressed the importance of Page 33: The entire group of NYSAIS teachers who traveled to Finland; This page, top: Kindergarten students at Viherlaakson Koulu enjoy a snowy recess with their teacher; This page, bottom: Older students benefit from outdoor recess, too.