Reaching the Finnish Line

By Mr. Ryan Kirchoff

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

‭On April 16th and 17th, Divine Savior Academy administrators Tim Biesterfeld, Ryan Kirchoff, Ryan Loberger, Ben Troge, and Amelia Nemmers attended the 2018 Innovation Institute entitled “Reaching the Finnish Line.” Finland has been a leader in education excellence for the past 15 years. Two educators from Finland shared the content and rationale for the latest curriculum being implemented in their country. “It was encouraging learning about some the innovative ways that Finland is promoting active student learning,” expressed Mr. Kirchoff. “They really do make the students the stars.” Mr. Loberger also realizes the relevance of DSA studying other educational systems, “It is important that we see where our curriculum is, and where we need it to be. Learning more about Finland’s school system, and some of the cutting edge educational practices gives us the opportunity to reflect and see what we are doing well, as well as steps we will take in the future.”