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The Teacher Leader Fellowship Abroad 
In Finland
April 12-19, 2025

Duration: 
8 Days

Destination:
Finland

Trip Type: 
Educational Program

Airfare: 
Round Trip

Cost: 
$4,450


Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
​Director, Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy
CT Commissioner of Education, Emerita
Executive in Residence
Farrington College of Education
Sacred Heart University
860-463-5871 (cell)


Overview

Engage in an exploration of Finland's educational system through our Teacher Leader Fellowship Program Abroad in Finland.  The experiences during this trip provide an exceptional opportunity to study and analyze the Finnish educational practices that have established Finland as a leader in education.


Participants will visit schools and classrooms at all levels, pre-K through 12, and have an opportunity to talk to students, teachers, administrators, teacher trainers and teacher trainees throughout the week.  You will see in action teachers and students in their classroom setting and gain a better understanding of how Finnish schools achieve excellence through personalized learning, holistic development, and a supportive educational culture.


The program also includes engagements with expert educators who work in the Finnish National Agency for Education and hopefully with policy makers in the Education Committee of the Finnish Parliament. This fellowship program is tailored for teacher leaders  including classroom teachers, administrators, policy leaders, and university level teacher educators seeking to expand their knowledge and bring back valuable insights to their institutions.


Program Highlights:

  • Overview of the Educational System:
    • Structure and governance.
    • Core principles and values.
    • Comparative analysis with other educational systems.
  • Curriculum and Pedagogy:
    • Core subjects and elective offerings.
    • Student-centered learning approaches.
    • Integration of technology in education.
  • Inclusive Education and Special Needs:
    • Policies for inclusive education.
    • Support systems for students with special needs.
    • Success stories and case studies.
  • Early Childhood Education:
    • Importance of early childhood education.
    • Key components and methodologies.
    • Success factors and challenges.


  • Teacher Training and Professional Development:
    • Teacher education programs.
    • Continuous professional development.
    • The role of teachers in curriculum design.
  • Student Assessment and Evaluation:
    • Methods of student assessment.
    • National exams and standardized testing.
    • Feedback and improvement processes.
  • Education and Well-being:
    • Balancing academic and personal development.
    • The role of extracurricular activities.
    • School environment and student well-being.
  • Higher Education and Research:
    • Structure of higher education institutions.
    • Focus on research and innovation.
    • Collaboration between universities and industries.

Benefits for Your School or University:

  • Curriculum Enhancement: Gain new perspectives and ideas to incorporate into your educational programs, fostering innovation and improvement
  • Professional Development: Provide faculty with firsthand experience of effective teaching methods and strategies, enhancing their professional growth.
  • Collaboration Opportunities: Establish connections with Finnish educators and institutions for future collaborations and exchange programs.
  • Student Enrichment: Bring back knowledge and practices that can directly impact student learning and development at your school or university..

 

Join us in Finland and transform your perspective on education in an unforgettable setting.

 

We look forward to your participation.

Hotel’s information:

Hotel Lilla Roberts

4.5 star hotel (Travelers' Choice, TripAdvisor)

Address

Pieni Roobertinkatu 1-3, 00130 Helsinki, Finland

Initial Itinerary, subject to change*

Day 1, Saturday: Departure to Helsinki, Finland

  • Depart from JFK to Helsinki, Finland.

Day 2, Sunday: Welcome to Helsinki 

  • 2:00 PM: Meet our professional guide at Helsinki International Airport arrival hall. A brief introduction to Finland and Helsinki during bus transfer to the city center.
  • Arrive at your hotel
  • Optional short walk (including a sky view tour of the city).
  • 6:00 PM: Welcome dinner.

Day 3, Monday: Introduction to the Finnish Education System: 

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel
  • 8:30 AM: Our staff will greet the visitors at the hotel and accompany them to The Finnish National Agency for Education.
  • Presentation on "Undestanding the basic of  Finnish education".
  • Lunch at Oodi Library with an introduction to library education services, especially the children’s section.
  • A visit to Suomenlinna Camp School, Finnish camp school pedagogy
  • 5:00 PM: Return to the hotel

Day 4, Tuesday: Finnish Learning Culture and Teaching Training

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel
  • 8:30 AM: Departure to Helsinki Normal Lyceum (K-12) for a tour and exploration of educational methods and practices. 
  • Discussion at Helsinki Norman Lyceum on teacher training with, teachers trainers and trainees.
  • School lunch
  • Workshop: Integrating Subjects with Phenomenon-Based Learning. 
  • 5:00 PM: Return to the hotel

Day 5, Wednesday: Engage with Local Educators and Students

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel
  • 8:30 AM: Transfer to a primary and lower secondary school visit (grades 1-9) to observe classes and gain practical experience.
  • Reflections on the visit.
  • School lunch
  • Workshop - Activating Classrooms in the Finnish Way conducted by the school teachers and administrators.
  • Visit the Museum of Design.
  •  5:00 PM: Return to the hotel.

Day 6, Thursday: Engage with Local Educators and Students

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel
  • 8:30 AM: Departure to a Finnish high school (grades 10-12).
  • Visit the school, work with teachers and students.
  • School lunch.
  • Workshop: Assessment in Finnish Schools
  • Visit to Allas Sea Pool
  • 5:00 PM: Return to the hotel.

Day 7, Friday: Engage with Local Educators and Students

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your hotel
  • 8:30 AM: Bus departure to Porvoo, founded un the 13th Century.
  • Visit Kevätkumpu education centre and a guided practical workshop on education methods to take home.
  • Lunch
  • 3:00 PM: Visit to ;arimekko Outlet including also a short Marimekko presentation.
  • 5:00 PM: Transfer by bus to Perho Culinary, Turism and Business College, Mechelininkatu 7, a school presentation.
  • Farewell dinner and reflective chats at Perho Culinary, Turism and Business College. Dinner prepared and served by students at Perho Culinary, Turism and Business College
  • 8:00 PM: Return to the Hotel

Day 8, Saturday: Good bye Helsinki

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at your Hotel.
  • Free time.
  • 2:00 PM: Bus transfer to Helsinki International Airport.

Cost of the programs Includes:

Flight from JFK to Helsinki (flights from other states can be arranged for an additional fee).

Breakfast daily at he hotel

Lunch as mentioned in the program

Educational Tours

Flight from Helsinki to JFK. Flights can be arranged to other states for additional fees.

Hotels in twin-shared room

Welcome dinner and farewell dinner

Organizational Visits

Seminars & Venue Rental

Coach Bus for Airport Pick-up, Send-off & travelling between destinations.

The cost of the trip is $4,450 (double-occupancy) per person

* ​Single Room Upgrade: ​$500 for single occupancy by February 14, 2025

This educational trip can be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities can cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for their faculty's participation.

Payment Schedule (alternate schedule may be negotiated by request of the participant) 

  1. $350 non-refundable registration fee
  2. $820 by October 15, 2024
  3. $820 by November 15, 2024
  4. $820 by December 15, 2024
  5. $820 by January 15, 2025
  6. $820 by February 14, 2025

Single Room Upgrade:

  • $500 for single occupancy by February 14, 2025

The cost doesn’t cover

Travel and health insurance

Tips

Any activities or meals not mentioned in the program

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be received in writing.  The following cancellation schedule applies:

  • 70% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
  • 60% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
  • 50% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
  • No refund within 50 days of the departure date.

Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
Director, Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy

CT Commissioner of Education, Emerita
Executive in Residence
Farrington College of Education
Sacred Heart University
860-463-5871 (cell)


*There may exist minor changes in the program timetables and venues due the possible restrictions.