EDUCATION

In Teachers We Trust: The Finnish Way to World-Class Schools

by Pasi Sahlberg & Timothy D. Walker
Norton. Mar. 2021. 240p. ISBN 9780393714005. $25.95. ED
COPY ISBN
Finnish educator Sahlberg (Finnish Lessons) and American teacher Walker (Teach LikeFinland), both of whom have experience teaching in Finland and the U.S., argue that Finnish education succeeds because it is based on trust—in schools, in teachers, and in students. They write that Americans, on the other hand, tend to mistrust their government and schools. U.S. education is dominated by standardized tests and administrative oversight, but teachers in Finland are granted professional respect and autonomy. The book includes school-based case studies that highlight the mentoring, extensive training, and collaborative approach that shape Finnish schools. The authors rely on vignettes and classroom examples to support their conclusions.
VERDICT For all readers, especially educators and parents, seeking a persuasive explanation for the excellent results of Finnish schools.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Hayford, formerly with Associated Coll. of the Midwest, Evanston, IL , Apr 09, 2021
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

A Forgotten Migration: Black Southerners, Segregation Scholarships, and the Debt Owed to Public HBCUs
by Sanders, Crystal R.
NONFICTION

Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price
by Jack, Anthony Abraham
NONFICTION

Trouble in Censorville: The Far Right’s Assault on Public Education and the Teachers Who Are Fighting Back
MEDIA

Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal
by Love, Bettina L.
NONFICTION

Inspired To Climb Higher: The Challenges, Questions, Struggles, and Joy of Earning Your Doctoral Degree
by Middlebrook-Thomas, Beverly & Others
NONFICTION

The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions
by Fields, Timothy L. & Shereem Herndon-Brown
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?