Finnish teacher and influencer calls for stricter basic education after years of declining results

A former struggling student turned educator has criticized Finland’s inclusive education model, arguing it has weakened learning outcomes by overburdening teachers and failing to prepare pupils for discipline, teacher Otso Saano told public broadcaster Yle.

Saano, a 31-year-old primary school teacher in Vantaa, said Finland’s shift toward fully inclusive classrooms—where students with learning difficulties study alongside peers without specialized support—has drained resources and left many children without adequate attention. “The intention was good: everyone belongs, everyone is seen,” he said. “But in practice, teachers spend too much time on a small group’s challenges while others fall behind.”

He attributed dropping test scores to two key factors: an inability among students to tolerate boredom or difficulty, and excessive screen time eroding concentration. “School isn’t always fun—sometimes it’s hard, and that’s okay,” Saano said. “Kids today don’t accept that.”

His proposed fixes include reinstating ability-based grouping for core subjects, expanding small-group instruction, and bolstering early-grade teaching. He also urged parents to take greater responsibility for instilling discipline, noting that “school can’t fix everything—attitudes start at home.”

Saano’s perspective stems from his own academic struggles. As a teen, he disliked school, prioritized social acceptance over grades, and dreamed of a music career. Poor marks in math and Swedish nearly derailed his plans—until a stint as a substitute teacher after military service ignited his passion for education. He later earned a degree from the University of Helsinki.

Now a resource teacher and social media personality known for satirical sketches on gender roles, Saano returns to the classroom this autumn. His message to students: “Grades aren’t everything. Growth takes time.”

Finland’s government has recently addressed declining education standards, introducing a “skills guarantee” in March to curb grade inflation and improve foundational learning. The Ministry of Education and Culture also published a February vision for reforming basic education.