Teacher of the year Katja Sjöblom-Korhonen prepares for independence day at Presidential Palace in Jyväskylä

Excited voices fill the gymnasium of Huhtasuo Unified School in Jyväskylä as Katja Sjöblom-Korhonen, a physical education teacher, reveals a picture of her gown for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. “You will be the most beautiful one there!” one student exclaims, while another adds, “You’ll outshine everyone!”

Sjöblom-Korhonen, who has dedicated 27 years to improving youth well-being, was honored in September as Finland’s Teacher of the Year, which earned her an invitation to celebrate Independence Day at the Presidential Palace. “I’m grateful for this recognition. It’s amazing that my long-term work is acknowledged, and that I’ll be walking the halls of the celebration,” she stated.

As the students eagerly hope to see their teacher on television during the festivities, they marvel at her pride in their independence, skills, and confidence while playing basketball in class. The teaching approach encourages students to decide how to practice the sport, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Sjöblom-Korhonen emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community and creating a safe environment for all students, regardless of their feelings towards physical activity. “It’s fine if not everyone enjoys sports; I aim to cultivate a space where making mistakes is part of the learning journey.”

By promoting diverse approaches to physical education, she helps students discover their own ways to prioritize their well-being. This year’s Independence Day theme at the Presidential Palace is “togetherness,” which resonates well with her teaching philosophy. She believes in providing essential life foundations at school, especially for students from supportive families, ensuring that all children receive the guidance they need to thrive. If she crosses paths with national leaders at the celebration, her message will be clear: investing in youth is key to a successful future.