Our story

We are two teachers.

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One grew up and taught in Oulu, Finland.
One grew up and taught in Hong Kong.

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Different systems. Different pressures. Different expectations.

But the same belief: education shapes how societies think, feel, and grow.

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When our paths crossed, so did our perspectives.

And that changed everything.

Seeing Education from Both Sides

Coming from different educational cultures allowed us to see something clearly:

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Every system has strengths.
Every system has blind spots.

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Hong Kong taught us rigour, discipline, and high expectations.

Finland showed us trust, autonomy, and the power of calm.

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Through years of dialogue, teaching, and reflection together, we began asking:

What happens when these perspectives meet?
What can educators learn when they step outside their own system?

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It became evident to us that Finnish education has something distinctive and profound to offer the world, not as a model to copy, but as principles to guide the practice and reflect on.

[background image] image of serene landscape with river (for a environmental conservation nonprofit)

[background image] image of gallery interior (for an art gallery)

Our mission

To support teachers in discovering and strengthening their professional practice, enabling them to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms.

Our Vision

A world where teachers are trusted, supported, and empowered to make learning meaningful and create positive change in their communities.

Our Values

Trust in educators
Equity as a lived value
Wellbeing as the foundation for learning

Co-founder

Pui Ying Law

I was trained in one of the world's most competitive education systems. Today, I live and work in one that measures success differently.

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Growing up and teaching in Hong Kong taught me discipline, efficiency, and how to survive high expectations.
Living in Finland taught me to slow down, to trust, and to see that deep learning does not need to be rushed.

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Somewhere between these two worlds, I found my work.

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I am an educator, learning designer, and co-founder of Teach the Finnish Way. My work centers on helping teachers create meaningful learning experience while nurturing their own professional growth and wellbeing. And I am curious to explore how educational ideas travel (or sometimes don’t) across cultures.

Key areas of competence:
Digital pedagogy, AI literacy, Global Citizenship, Drama pedagogy

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Qualifications

International Vocational Teacher Education (Haaga Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland)
Digitally Competent Educator Certificate (University of Jyväskylä, Finland)
Master’s degree in Digital Literacy Education (Tampere University, Finland)
Master’s degree in Intercultural Studies (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Postgraduate Diploma in Education for the Future (UC Leuven-Limburg, Belgium)
Professional Diploma in Applied Theatre and Drama Education (Hong Kong Art School )
Professional Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Liberal Studies) (University of Hong Kong)
Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies (Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Co-founder

Mirjami Junnikkala

I was born and raised in Oulu, in northern Finland, where winters are long, conversations are honest, and education is well-trusted.

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I trained and worked as a teacher in the Finnish system, where autonomy is real, collaboration matters, and well-being is not an extra topic but the foundation.

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For many years, these were simply “how we do things.” It was only through intercultural dialogue and many long conversations across coffee tables and classrooms, I began to see them more clearly. From the inside, they felt ordinary. From the outside, I realised how distinctive and significant they truly are.

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I care deeply about creating learning environments that feel safe, meaningful, and human.

Key areas of competence:
Positive education, strength-based classroom, outdoor education

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Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Education (Class Teacher Qualification) University of Oulu;
Advanced Studies in Psychology (University of Eastern Finland);
Intermediate Studies in Theology (University of Eastern Finland);
Intermediate Studies in Social Work (University of Jyväskylä);
Additional Qualifications:
- Qualified to teach Psychology and Religion ;
- Qualified as a School Social Worker based on Social Work studies;
Class Teacher (2001–2024) Oulu, Finland;
ForestMinds© Instructor

"Pui's organisation and planning of the course was perfect. And her presentation of every topic was excellent."

"Mirjami was always kind and all the participants were laughing during the lessons. I think that all of us had a lot of fun."

"The most enjoyable part was the knowledge and kindness of our teacher, Mirjami. She even helped me when I had to look for a hospital. Also the friendly environment of the class and the school."

"Mirjami took time to share her knowledge, her wellbeing attitude was really positive in the class. We had lot of practice exercises. It was perfect."

"The teaching was on the spot. I loved the materials and loved every minute in the class. I hope more people could join the course and our government will follow."

Instructor was very kind, open for clarifications and supported our cultural activity in free-time. Visiting of school in Ylikiiminki was exited and informative. Mirjami inspired me and I enjoyed atmosphere on course and full of new ideas. Many many thanks!

"Pui was perfectly prepared, the workshops took place in the theater too. Pui was helpful, very open, the workshops and the way she conducted the workshops was impressive."

"The instructor always had her classes perfectly prepared, very well thought-of, she is enthusiastic and immensely knowledgeable, always ready to adapt to our questions and unexpected situations. Both her classes and materials she shared were very helpful. I have already recommended her to some of my colleagues for future years. She's a real asset for Europass."

"It was very organised. The teachers were enthusiastic and helpful. The materials was perfect."

"I enjoyed the fact that Mirjami not only trained us but also showed us the beauty of Helsinki and integrated us as a group."

"Very well structured course. Pui presented very good, enthusiastic, loud and understandable. I liked the "facts about finland."

"Mirjami created a very good atmosphere in which we could ask a lot of questions and learn a lot. I really like the positive Education and see the good aspect in Finland."

"Pui, the trainer was so helpful and kind. She showed all the ways about how teaching can make big changes."

"Pui was exceptional. Everything was explained perfectly, she gave us a lot of good examples, videos, images etc. We did a lot of useful group tasks, individual tasks and even played games!"

"Our trainer Mirjami was so kind and caring and wonderful. The course was very educational and useful."