Here both students and teachers get to grow

– There is a sense of calm in the Åland schools, and that's how we want it! says Mikael Rosbäck, Director of Education in the City of Mariehamn.

He himself moved to Åland from the mainland. What was originally intended as a shorter assignment turned into 20 years as principal at Strandnäs School, followed by five years as head of the entire education sector in Mariehamn.

What do you think characterizes the Åland primary school compared to other schools in the Nordic countries?
– Unique to Åland is that the student groups are generally small. On average, there are 16 students per class, compared to around 25 in Sweden. Together with good resources, this provides room to test new working methods.

Its own law and curriculum

Thanks to self-governance, Åland has the right to make decisions about education and legislation within schools and childcare. Therefore, the region has its own children's and primary school act as well as its own curriculum, which resembles Finland's but is adapted to the small Swedish-speaking community. Teachers also have great freedom of action.

Even though Mikael Rosbäck primarily has insight into Mariehamn's three primary schools – Strandnäs, Ytternäs and Övernäs – he believes that most things look the same across all of Åland. It is only the size of the schools that varies.

– The curriculum guides the work, but it is autonomous – the teacher is free to choose their own method.

Continuing education is included in the collective agreement, and the range of competence-enhancing courses is extensive.

– We invest a lot in teachers. Right now, it's largely about self-leadership and maintaining resilience in one's work.

Similarities and differences

Working hours for teachers do not differ much between Sweden, Finland and Åland – but the structure does. In Sweden, teachers have an annual working hours arrangement, while teachers in Åland have a teaching obligation (usk).

Salaries are broadly comparable, but in Sweden they are set individually, which leads to significant variations between schools and municipalities. In Åland and Finland, salaries are more regulated and linked to teaching time.

– This creates greater equality in the workplace, but also leaves less room for individual salary negotiation, explains Mikael.

Qualifications and validation

Swedish teachers who want to work in Åland need to consider having their qualifications validated by the Åland Regional Government.

– The validation results in either approval or a requirement for supplementation in the form of additional studies or assessment. During that time, the salary is somewhat lower since you are not yet fully qualified.

Overall, there is always a great need for special education teachers and teachers in mathematics, physics and chemistry – but Finnish and music are also in demand.

New teachers are often welcomed with induction sessions, mentoring and follow-ups. They can also look forward to working in schools where the role of the teacher is both respected and appreciated.

– It is also an advantage to live in a community where children can get to and from school on their own. Here, children can safely and independently walk or cycle home by themselves.