Hello, I’m Johanna Ouli, and I’ve been a primary school teacher in Äänekoski since 1997, teaching students in grades 1 through 6. Currently, I work at Honkola School, where I’ll be teaching second grade in the academic year 2024–2025.
Alongside my teaching career, I am passionate about choral singing. For over 25 years, I’ve been a proud member of Kosken Laulu—a vibrant mixed choir from Äänekoski founded in 1981 and led by Morgan Sotejeff-Wilson. Our repertoire leans towards rhythmic music, including Finnish pop and rock, bringing an energetic and modern twist to our performances.
In my teaching, I emphasize structured learning environments, functional learning, and positive pedagogy. Structuring the classroom ensures clarity and predictability, helping students understand expectations and learning goals. Functional learning activates students through hands-on experiences, collaborative activities, and movement-based exercises, making learning more engaging and meaningful. Positive pedagogy focuses on recognizing students’ strengths and supporting their well-being, fostering self-esteem and motivation in a safe and supportive environment.
These approaches align with the core values of Finnish education:
- Equality: Ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.
- Trust in Teachers: Emphasizing teacher professionalism and autonomy to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.
- Well-Being: Supporting the holistic growth of each child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and mutual support as essential elements of learning.
During the 2023–2024 academic year, I worked as a simultaneous teacher at Koulunmäki Unified School as part of an equal opportunity initiative in early childhood and primary education.
If you’d like to get in touch, you can reach me at Honkola School at
+358 40 612 7556 or by email at johanna.ouli@aanekoski.fi.