TEACHER STATUS IN FINLAND

Abstract

In Finland there is an equitable high quality education system based on the concept of teaching as a sophisticated profession in which all teachers hold a master's degree (2 years of study) that includes disciplinary and pedagogical knowledge and combines research and practice. Teaching has become the most attractive profession after medicine, and many teachers aspire having a PhD degree and persist the profession.  Teaching is perceived in Finland as a long-term profession where people can grow into leadership positions and develop expertise in their field [13].

The high achievements of Finnish students in international exams, the lack of educational gaps between the center and the periphery and transforming teaching to a prestigious and highly desirable profession in Finland - all have made the small Nordic country's education system a subject of admiration and envy of worldwide educators. Basically, even advanced education after basic education is free. The Finnish education system is built to provide everyone an opportunity to obtain vocational or high education.

In addition to the Finnish people speaking Finnish or Swedish, the non-Finnish people, speaking Sami language, who live in the norther part of the country, have also the right to develop and keep their language and culture.

The education institutes network cover the whole country. The basic education is close to home or in a distance of a free bus drive. Students are allowed to apply to studies in high school, university or vocational education anywhere in the country.