Teachers in Finland are highly trained. In general education all teachers are required a Master’s degree. In vocational education teachers should have a Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree. The high level of training is seen as necessary as teachers in Finland are very autonomous professionally.
At most levels of education teachers are required to participate in in-service training every year. Finnish teachers consider in-service training to be a privilege and therefore participate actively.
In-service training is offered by different providers. The state funds in-service training programmes, primarily in areas important for implementing education policy and reforms. Education providers can also apply for funding to improve the professional competence of their teaching personnel.