The Positive Teacher in Finland with a school visit

Building well-being, motivation, and success through positive psychology in education.

Join our 7-day course in Helsinki, Finland, including a full-day school visit to witness one of the world’s top education systems in one of the happiest countries globally.  This course blends theory and practice, helping educators integrate well-being and positive education strategies into teaching  to create happier and more motivated learners and teachers.

Transform your teaching practice with positive psychology strategies that boost well-being, motivation, and success for both teachers and students. This course focuses on using positive  methods to build confidence, resilience, and happiness through value-based learning, strengths-focused activities, and mindfulness. Learn how to shift attention toward students’ strengths rather than gaps, fostering a growth mindset and self-esteem. Trainers Kristín Einarsdóttir and Sarah Jane Anthony bring extensive experience in designing and implementing internationally recognised programs, focusing on holistic education and mental health. Participants will enjoy a full-day school visit, meeting Finnish teachers and students to gain valuable firsthand insights. With Finland’s holistic educational approach, you’ll observe how outdoor activities, digital tools, and democratic engagement are integrated into learning, providing an inspiring model to bring back to your own educational environment.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Use positive psychology strategies to enhance student and teacher well-being. 
• Apply value-based activities to help students set goals and build self-esteem.
• Recognise and celebrate students’ individual strengths and achievements.
• Promote resilience and growth mindsets through reflective and goal-setting techniques.
• Explore Finland's innovative teaching methods and their role in fostering a forward-thinking, holistic approach to education. 
• Integrate mindfulness and stress-relief techniques into daily teaching routines. 
• Develop tools and plans to create a positive classroom culture centered on success and happiness.
• Collaborate and share best practices with international peers to grow professional networks.
• Integrate digital tools for mindfulness, enhancing engagement and accessibility in line with Finland's leadership in educational technology. 
• Take away classroom-ready Smart Teachers Play More activities to implement while promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainability in teaching.

METHODOLOGY AND ASSESSMENT 

• Workshops and practical sessions: Interactive workshops demonstrating positive psychology tools and exercises.
•  Smart Teachers Play More activities highlighting a positive approach to learning where academic concepts can be taught through games, sensory activities and movement to increase joy and motivation.
•  Practical sessions with mindfulness, meditation, and strengths-based activities for classroom integration.
•  Role-playing and group discussions to explore value-check-ins, goal setting, and motivation strategies.
•  Peer-to-peer collaboration and networking opportunities to share ideas and experiences.
•  Finnish school visits to observe inclusive practices and personalised learning models.
•  Reflective journaling and vision planning sessions to create actionable classroom strategies.
•  Digital Collaboration to share resources and facilitate group reflections enhancing teamwork and digital literacy skills.
•  Cultural activities, including local traditions and hot tub reflections, to enhance well-being.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE EDUCATION SECTOR:

This course offers learning opportunities for teachers and school staff across the education sector including: Preschool; Primary; Secondary; Adult education; Special Needs; Teaching assistants; School management; Vocational education; Higher education; and Student teachers.

AS PART OF THE COURSE WE ALSO PROVIDE:

• Morning refreshments
• Cultural evening
• Visit to Helsinki City Museum
• Course material
• Certificate of attendance

COURSE DATES:

04.05.2025 > 10.05.2025 CONFIRMED

26.10.2025 >  01.11.2025 CONFIRMED