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Parents and children rally in support of music teacher Ulla Husso at Tehtaankatu Primary School in Helsinki

Tuesday 3rd 2024 on 19:13 in  
Finland

A significant gathering of children and parents took place in front of Helsinki’s Tehtaankatu Primary School to show support for Ulla Husso, a dedicated music teacher with over three decades of service. The city of Helsinki has opted to transfer music education to classroom teachers, as part of broader personnel restructuring efforts.

Ulla Husso received the news of her transfer amid preparations for Christmas celebrations, leaving her to seek a new position at a secondary school independently. The decision has faced criticism from both the parent association and the president of the Finnish Music Teachers’ Association, who emphasized the importance of music in educational outcomes and equality for children.

Heidi Lautjärvi, chairperson of the parent association, expressed concern about the impact on students. “We are saddened for Ulla and the current and future students of our school. Ulla is the heart and soul of the school’s band, choir, and many events organized here,” she stated. The city justifies the move with financial reasons, claiming it is part of an essential shift in the workforce.

According to Taina Tervonen, acting head of basic education in Helsinki, this change affects eight primary schools and eight music teachers, with music instruction being delegated to regular or music-specialized classroom teachers. Husso was informed that she would need to find a suitable secondary school to be relocated to, a decision which was anticipated to be clarified within weeks. Teachers have been prohibited from discussing the matter with their students.

Parents of the school have united to send petitions to key Finnish leaders, urging them to retain music teachers in primary education.

Source 
(via yle.fi)