Who we are
Oulu University Teacher Training School is an integral part of the Faculty of Education, at the University of Oulu, Finland.
We have got four main functions which form our mission:
1. Basic Education
Offer high-quality basic education (grades 1-9) as well as senior secondary education (grades 10-12)
We provide free, high-quality basic education on a primary, secondary and upper secondary level to 1200 neighbourhood students. The students, aged between 7 and 19, represent diverse cultural backgrounds.
2. Pre-service Teacher Education
Organise guided teacher training
As a Teacher Training School, we are a significant learning environment for student teachers. Both classroom student teachers (Primary School) and subject student teachers (Secondary and Upper Secondary School) perform their teaching practice periods in our school during their University studies.
Our experienced and skilled Senior Lecturers mentor the student teachers as trained mentors and aid in combining pedagogical theory with practice.
3. Research and Development
Develop and implement research-based teacher training
We participate actively in educational research and development projects with researchers locally, nationally and internationally.
We consider it our responsibility to share and discuss the results from our projects in and through our networks and thereby widely contribute to the development of education, learning environments and pedagogical practises.
4. In-service Training
High-class in-service training for educators worldwide
We organise both on-site and online training for teachers, principals, and educators worldwide. Our in-service training modules are targeted to educational professionals working in primary, secondary and upper secondary schools as well as teacher trainers working in colleges and universities.
We also offer study visits, tailor-made courses and organise annual international events and conferences.
OUR STORY
Our history dates back to 1609 when Pedagogy of Oulu was founded.
Today we at Oulu University Teacher Training School regard the diversity of life, equality and community spirit as essential values.
Our safe and forward-looking school works for diverse human growth and development in order for our students to become widely able and responsible members of society.
As a UNESCO-school we belong to a global network of schools addressing global challenges: building global citizenship and promoting sustainable development. We are an active member of the European Teacher Education Network (ETEN).
VISION
We believe that happy and healthy students and student teachers are the best learners. We also believe that developing learning skills provide the best long-term results. High-quality learning is supported by teachers and co-learners, but also by the physical learning environment.
The physical learning environment at Oulu University Teacher Training School is continuously developed together with researchers and pedagogical experts, complemented by digital and technological solutions, to best meet the needs of active, creative, problem-solving and co-operative learners.
As a learning community, we cultivate community spirit and collaboration, as well as nurture possibilities for individual growth and development.
VALUES
Today we at Oulu University Teacher Training School regard the diversity of life, equality and community spirit as essential values.
STATISTICS
• The second-largest Teacher Training School in Finland
• Two Primary Schools, Secondary School, Upper Secondary School, education for grades 1-12
• 1200 pupils and students
• 600 Student Teachers
• 120 Staff Members
FAQs
Why are you called Teacher Training School?
One of our key tasks is to develop and implement research-based teacher training as part of the Faculty of Education at the University of Oulu.
Why do your lecturers have a double-role? What do they do?
Our lecturers double-role as teachers for their pupils/students and as trainers for student teachers who practice at our school.
What kind of education do teachers at Oulu University Teacher Training School have?
The teachers at our school all have a Master’s Degree either in education or in a subject they teach. Several of our teachers also have a Ph.D. or are Doctoral Students.
Who are your students?
Our students on the Primary School (grades 1-6, for students aged 7-13), Secondary School (grades 7-9, 14-16 year-olds), or Senior Secondary Schools (grades 10-12, 17-19 year-olds) are youngsters from the nearby neighbourhood, representing diverse cultural backgrounds.
Our student teachers are university students studying for a Master’s Degree at the University of Oulu.
They will become either classroom teachers for Primary School or subject teachers for Secondary, or Senior Secondary Schools.
What kind of training services do you provide?
We offer several types of educational services; Diploma Programmes, international seminars and conferences, and in-service training courses and study visits. Please, contact us for more information.
Do you organise online training courses?
Yes, we do. Our Diploma Programme in Education Leadership and Management is mostly online.