The Role of Teacher Training Schools in the Basic Education of Finnish Teachers

In Finland, class teachers for the lower level of the comprehensive school (ages 7-12 years), as well as the specialized teachers for the upper level of the comprehensive school (ages 12-15 years) and the gymnasium level (ages 15-19 years) are trained in the universities. Class teachers obtain their diploma (master of education) at the end of a four- to five-year course of study. The course of study of specialized teachers is five to six years and is completed with the degree of Master of Philosophy. For all teacher training establishments (altogether there are twelve), there is a unified nationwide basic curriculum, the particulars of which can be planned locally. Training to be a class teacher or a specialized teacher is planned and organized in tiered programs, which consist of a general part, a specialized part, and a part for advanced specialized studies.