Special-interest organization of all teacher students in Finland
SOOL has over 6,000 members, who represent all the different student groups within the field of education. Largest groups are those studying to become pre-school teachers, classroom teachers, subject teachers, special education teachers, and counselors. SOOL membership is open to all students in the field of education, who are members of one of our 48 member associations.
In practice, SOOL gathers together students of different groups to consider the present and the future of teacher training. We guide and counsel member associations and organize training and seminars. In addition, we keep our members informed about current topics concerning teacher training, and work for the future of education in wide co-operation with different authorities.
SOOL also offers valuable members' benefits to every member.
Members' benefits
SOOL membership fee for the academic year 2024–2025 is 26 EUR, which entitles to following benefits:
- Member services, legal guidance, free seminars
- Opettaja and Opeopiskelija magazines
- Insurance benefits and discounts
- Possibility to join The Unemployment Fund for Education and Science while studying
- Pocket calender, travel and hotel discounts etc. etc.
Teacher training in Finland is arranged by universities and vocational institutes of higher education.
Early childhood teachers get a bachelor's degree in educational science, the extent of which is 180 credits (ETCS). This degree qualifies to serve as a kindergarten teacher and as a preschool teacher.
Classroom teachers get a master's degree in educational science (ETCS 300 cr). This degree qualifies to serve as a classroom teacher and as a pre-school teacher. The compulsory education in Finland lasts nine years, from the age of 7 to the age of 16.
Subject teachers get a Master's degree, the extent of which is 300 credits (ETCS). There are two possibilities to get in to the subject teacher education. The more common way is to start studying the subject at the university first and then later the pedagogical studies. After these pedagogical studies one is qualified to teach the subject in question. The other way is to apply directly to the subject teacher education. This direct selection to teacher education is getting more common, but so far it is only possible in few subjects.
Special-education teachers get a Master's degree in educational science (ETCS 300 cr). This degree qualifies to serve as a special-education teacher in comprehensive schools, and as a classroom teacher.
Vocational school teachers as a rule get a degree at a university or at a vocational institute of higher education, then they work for a few years, and after that they do the pedagogical studies at a vocational institute of higher education to qualify to serve as teachers.
| AGE | SCHOOL | TEACHER |
| 0–6 | Kindergarten | Early childhood teachers |
| 6 | Optional preschool | Early childhood teachers or classroom teachers |
| 7–15 | Comprehensive school, 9 years | Classroom teachers and subject teachers |
| 16– | Upper secondary school, 3 years | Subject teachers |
| 16– | Vocational schools | Vocational school teachers |
| 16– | Higher education | Teachers with higher academic degree |
MEMBER SERVICES
Tel. +358 800 418 401
» Enquiry form
HEAD OFFICE
SOOL
Rautatieläisenkatu 6
FI-00520 Helsinki
FINLAND
sool@sool.fi
ADMINISTRATION
The highest decision making body of SOOL is the federal assembly, which is held at least once a year. The federal assembly elects the executive board, which consists of chairman, vice-chairman, and 8 members of board. Their term is one year, May 1st to April 30th.
Jani Siirilä
President
Tel. +358 44 213 6202
jani.siirila@sool.fi
Riku Oras
Executive Director
Tel. +358 20 748 9752
riku.oras@sool.fi