Hanna Tukiainen

My name is Hanna Tukiainen, and I am a co-founder of Positive Education Finland. I have worked as a teacher for over 20 years and completed my Master’s degree in Education at the University of Turku in 2002.

In 2022, I reached an important milestone by graduating as a Special Education Teacher from the University of Helsinki. Last autumn, I began a completely new chapter in my professional life when I started working as a vocational special education teacher for adult immigrants studying at the secondary level. It has been an exciting and inspiring journey!
Over the years, I have gained teaching experience in elementary school (ages 7–12), junior high school (ages 13–15), and vocational education. I have taught children with special needs and worked as a resource teacher supporting pupils across diverse learning environments. I genuinely enjoy co-teaching with classroom teachers and special education teachers—collaboration truly enriches learning!

I have also taught Finnish as a second language to immigrant pupils, both in small groups and as a co-teacher in the classroom. I am especially interested in teaching Finnish and children’s literature through functional, hands-on methods. Reading is one of the most essential skills a learner can develop! I love incorporating art-based approaches into my teaching, and I believe strongly in creating an atmosphere of trust where every student feels safe, creative, and ready to learn.

My teaching philosophy centers on helping students recognize their strengths and believe in their potential. Every student can succeed with the support of encouraging and caring teachers. There is something good in every student, every day. Positive education and emotional skills are powerful tools for raising confident, empathetic individuals.

Education
Special Education Teacher, University of Helsinki, Finland — 2022
Master of Education, Elementary School Teacher, University of Turku, Finland — 2002
Specializations include psychology, special education, initial teaching, and art education.
Emotion Skills and Mindfulness Instructor (children & youth), Mindfulness instituutti, Helsinki — 2018
Neuropsychiatric Coach, Ammattiopisto Spesia, Järvenpää — 2020

Additional Courses

Art as Therapy: Self-Expression and Special Needs in Art Education, Europass Erasmus+, Barcelona — 2019
Job Shadowing, Elementary School, Stockholm — 2017
Group Dynamics and Social Skills, Erasmus+, Rome — 2015
Reading and Writing Teacher Education (for immigrant adults), Palmenia, University of Helsinki — 2013

Language Skills
Finnish, English, German, Swedish