{"id":809,"date":"2023-02-28T22:53:59","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T22:53:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taughtbyfinland.com\/?p=809"},"modified":"2023-05-16T22:22:11","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T22:22:11","slug":"an-american-school-inspired-by-finnish-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/taughtbyfinland.com\/an-american-school-inspired-by-finnish-education\/","title":{"rendered":"An American School Inspired by Finnish Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

About a decade ago, my family and I moved from Massachusetts to Helsinki, Finland. Long story short: a Finnish principal recruited me to teach fifth graders at her bilingual public school and I created this blog to document my takeaways. My wife Johanna named my passion project Taught by Finland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blogging about my experiences in Finland provided me with unexpected opportunities. I started contributing to The Atlantic<\/em><\/a> in 2014. Then I wrote my first education book (Teach Like Finland<\/em><\/a>), which was translated into 17 languages. More recently, I’ve traveled to different countries to speak about the lessons I learned within the Finnish education system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renewed Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2021, my family and I moved back to the United States. I felt renewed purpose to support U.S. educators hoping to learn from Finnish education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For years, Finland has been a top performer on international standardized tests like the PISA<\/a> (Programme for International Student Assessment). This Nordic nation employs a unique educational playbook. Students in Finland enjoy frequent play breaks, balanced curricula involving plenty of hands-on learning, and very little homework. Today the Finnish model is internationally recognized as being the most efficient<\/a> too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Finland’s schools offer many great educational ideas, they’re not perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently, the Finns have loudly criticized<\/a> their education system. They’ve noted a gradual decline in PISA results. Not only that, but they’ve also expressed concern about a gender achievement gap and the low PISA scores of immigrant children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its imperfections, the Finnish approach continues to inspire. Each year, many educators flock to Finland to learn more about its child-centered schools. There’s a widespread desire for change, and the Finnish model provides fresh ideas and inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copper Island Academy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Last month, I began a paid partnership<\/a> with Copper Island Academy (CIA) in Calumet, Michigan. This Finnish-inspired charter school has filled me with hope for what’s possible here in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In August 2020, many families in the Keweenaw Peninsula (the northernmost tip of Michigan\u2019s Upper Peninsula) explored the idea of starting a tuition-free public school. They dreamed big. These families hoped to give their children\u2014among other things\u2014more hands-on learning, outdoor education, and a greater emphasis on cultivating civic responsibilities. The school they dreamed of didn\u2019t exist. So, they decided to build it themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early on, it became clear that Finnish education could help to guide their educational approach. They wouldn\u2019t try to replicate the Finnish model, but they would thoughtfully implement effective practices from Finland\u2019s schools. In fact, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) is home to a large concentration of Finnish Americans. (In the 1800s, many Finns moved<\/a> to the UP where they found work in copper mines.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within a year, Copper Island Academy had grown from an idea to a physical reality. In the fall of 2021, the school launched with more than 300 students in a brand-new building. Its mission<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare “all students for college, work, and life success through the implementation of highly effective Finnish education practices while embracing traditional American ideals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Copper Island Academy has already taken many steps to fulfill its mission. For example, it offers a schedule optimized for great teaching and learning. At Copper Island Academy, students and educators receive a 15-minute brain break after each 45-minute block of instruction. This Finnish-inspired approach<\/a> is backed by research showing that frequent breaks keep kids fresh throughout the school day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the coming months, I will continue to publish blog posts that shed light on the unique aspects of Copper Island Academy<\/a>, including its innovative schedule, hands-on programs, and focus on civic education. In the meantime, I invite you to follow the school\u2019s journey on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve already visited the school several times in 2023, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you. Copper Island Academy is an inspiring place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(The next blog post, “This U.S. School Offers Finnish-Style \u2018Home Economics,'” is here<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tim Walker is an American teacher, writer, and speaker based in Connecticut. He is the author of Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms<\/a>. Inspired by his work in Finnish schools, Tim speaks internationally about play, trust, and joy in education. He also writes about global educational practices at teachlands.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow Taught by Finland on Facebook<\/a> to learn more about Finnish education.<\/em> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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