In mid-November, the “Finnish Five”—comprised of Carolyn Andrews (Construction Technology Program Coordinator), Dr. Terri Gustafson (Director of Academic Affairs), Dr. Nick Roster (Biology instructor/Assessment Coordinator), Mark DeLonge (Assistant Director of Instructional Technology), and Ryan Bernstein (Curriculum & Instructional Designer)—embarked on a five-day educational tour of Finland. Our journey was facilitated by the Council for Creative Education (CCE) Finland, and took us through a variety of school settings, from early childhood centers to universities. This reflection summarizes our collective experiences and the profound insights we gained from the passionate educators we met.

Day 1 (Monday, 11/17): Foundations in Helsinki and Espoo

Our first day provided a critical overview of the Finnish Educational System, beginning with a session at Aalto University in Espoo. This laid the groundwork for understanding the structure and philosophy of Finnish schooling. With the foundational knowledge in place, we ventured into Helsinki for some essential sightseeing. We visited the architectural marvel of the Oodi Library and explored the historical Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Island. This initial day set a high bar, demonstrating Finland’s commitment to accessibility, learning, and cultural heritage, blending intellectual immersion with cultural exploration.

Day 2 (Tuesday, 11/18): Upper Secondary and the Baltic Dip

Day two brought us to Leppävaaran Lukio Upper Secondary School in Espoo, where we received a warm welcome. We toured the school with Principal Ismo-Olav Kjäldman and received an overview of school operations. We also learned about the commitment to student health and fitness in an athletics overview with Athletic Director Heikki Saloranta. We presented our hosts with chocolate-covered cherries and NMC swag. A fascinating curriculum point was the requirement of ukulele and/or guitar instruction. In the afternoon, we participated in a workshop on early childhood education with CCE Staff, which was followed by a truly Finnish cultural experience: a complimentary sauna experience that culminated in a memorable dip into the Baltic Sea (Gulf of Finland), where the water temperature was about 50°F. This day provided a deep look into the supportive, well-rounded high school environment and ended with a quintessential (and very cool) demonstration of the Finnish embrace of nature and wellness.

Day 3 (Wednesday, 11/19): Early Childhood Education and Pedagogical Empowerment

Day three focused on early childhood and higher education curriculum. We visited Kivimiehen Päiväkoti Daycare + Preschool in Espoo, joining groups from Belgium and Israel. We participated in classroom observations and a school tour guided by a teacher named Susan (or “Sueski”). We observed a six-year-old practicing public speaking, and presented our group gift to Sueski. We decided to leave our travel companion, Swoop, with Sueski and the children, hopefully creating a lasting connection between NMC and the Finnish school. We then returned to Aalto University to meet with Dr. Eero Ropo, a Tempere University Education Professor, for a higher ed curriculum discussion, followed by an upper secondary overview presentation by Laura Lammi, a CCE pedagogical expert, where we were introduced to Finnish pedagogical strategies. This day was a powerful demonstration of the importance placed on early childhood development and the innovative pedagogical approaches that permeate all levels of Finnish education.

Day 4 (Thursday, 11/20): Waldorf Pedagogy and Organic Architecture

Day four began with a snowy train ride to Tampere. We visited Tampereen Steinerkoululla, a primary school that utilizes the Steiner Waldorf pedagogy, which emphasizes movement, creativity, and imagination in learning. The school itself was beautiful, with art everywhere, and we noted the warmth of the people and the active nature of the children. We observed classrooms, received a school tour with Marttinen Inna, interacted with students, and enjoyed a delicious organic lunch in the school cafeteria. A key discussion followed with Principal Jari Hildén. The school’s unique, organic architecture, featuring flexible spaces and even a green-roofed out-building, was a highlight. Something noteworthy was that there are no square/rectangular classrooms or spaces in this style of architecture. The day concluded with a visit to the Moro Sky Bar before taking the Train back to Helsinki. The experience offered a tangible example of an alternative pedagogical model deeply integrating the arts and physical movement into the daily curriculum within a uniquely designed physical space.

Day 5 (Friday, 11/21): Reflection and Planning

Our final day was dedicated to synthesis and forward planning. We participated in a structured discussion/reflection with CCE staff and began action planning for taking our newfound ideas back home. The Council for Creative Education, Finland, gifted us a Moominpapa—an iconic Finnish children’s literature character—to take home to commemorate the trip and a stand-in for Swoop, who stayed in Finland following the new connection we forged on Day 3. This closing session solidified the wealth of knowledge gained throughout the week, concluding the trip with a thoughtful process of translating the Finnish educational philosophy into actionable insights to implement at NMC.

Conclusion

Our five-day immersion into the Finnish educational system was an invaluable experience. It was incredible. From the foundational overview at Aalto University to the innovative practices in upper secondary schools, the child-centered focus of daycares, and the creative pedagogy of the Steiner Waldorf school, we witnessed firsthand the core principles that make Finnish education a global leader: equity, respect for the learner, professional trust in educators, and a deep commitment to student well-being. The Finnish Five are eager to share these insights and collaborate on implementing changes inspired by this transformative journey.