October 5th is World Teachers’ Day, celebrated since 1994 at the initiative of UNESCO and Education International (EI). The day highlights the importance of teachers’ work, the need to improve their working conditions, and their invaluable contribution worldwide. In Finland, it offers a perfect moment to reflect on what truly matters in teaching and what makes learning come alive. While attention often falls on teachers, the heart of learning always lies in the interaction between teacher and student. Without students, there would be no teachers—and their impact is far greater than one might realize.

The Importance of Curiosity

Many students believe that teachers value high grades or punctual submission of assignments above all else. While these are part of learning, they are not what lingers in a teacher’s memory. What really matters is a student’s willingness to be curious and embracing being unfinished, being open to learning.

When someone asks, “Why does this work this way?” something fundamental happens. The classroom becomes a space for true learning, and perspectives that challenge conventional thinking enrich the discussion. Being uncertain can feel uncomfortable, but it is precisely in that space that the deepest learning occurs. When a student says aloud, “I’m not sure I fully understand this,” they are not only helping themselves. Often, others who have wondered the same thing quietly benefit too. One question can open a whole new perspective for the group.

In moments like these, teaching transforms from a one-way transfer of knowledge into genuine connection. Courage to ask questions and challenge ideas turns the classroom into a place where everyone can think freely and find their own voice.

Courage in Learning Together

Learning is never a solo endeavour. Every classroom forms a community, shaped as much by students as by the teacher. When a student shares their own experiences, encourages a peer, or asks a question that many others leave unasked, they create space for new perspectives. This enriches the group’s thinking and deepens learning into a shared experience. Courage, then, is not only about challenging the teacher—it is about being part of a community where it is safe to be unfinished and still learning.

As a teacher, I make it a priority to give students plenty of feedback. It helps them understand where they are succeeding and where they can grow further. I aim to make feedback constructive and supportive, so it strengthens learning and encourages self-reflection.

People Stay in Memory

I remember the students who brought something special to learning: authenticity, insightful thinking, and a sense of community that influenced others. With them, teaching was not mere task completion but a living dialogue where new ideas emerged. I recall their questions and perspectives because they made me pause and see familiar topics from fresh angles.

I also remember my own teachers and mentors who possessed these same qualities. They listened, inspired, and created spaces where learning and growth felt possible. This is what a teacher carries with them: PowerPoint slides may fade from memory, but the good people never do.

It is these encounters and authentic dialogues that remind us how valuable it is to listen and engage in meaningful conversation. This is especially important today, when the world can feel divided and discussions sometimes harsh. We need people who express their views honestly while respecting others’ experiences. We need people who build bridges between perspectives.

In Conclusion and Looking Ahead

The message of World Teachers’ Day is simple. Teachers can open doors and provide tools, but it is the students who bring learning to life. The most significant moments happen when I realize that learning is also about shaping the future. As a social pedagogue, I see every student’s question or insight as a small act toward a better society, a better world.

Teaching is more than a profession for me. It is the opportunity to walk alongside students and witness how they carry the power to change the world. I hope to see more students embrace this idea and take it beyond the classroom. Because of them, I feel profound joy and hope. I believe that what we learn together reaches far into the future.

Author Matti Virtasalo, Lecturer (Social Services), Lapland University of Applied Sciences, Teacher of the Year 2025