Strong Professional Expertise – Students Selected the Top Teachers of the Year

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences and the student union VAMOK have awarded teachers who have excelled in teaching during the past academic year. The selection is made each spring based on student feedback. For the academic year 2025–2026, the top teachers selected were Jussi Luoma from Health Care and Social Services, Onni Pyhälahti from Technology, and Tero Ulvinen from Business.

In the feedback provided by students about their teachers, strong professional competence and expertise were particularly emphasised this year. In addition, clear pedagogy, engaging interaction, and genuine care for students were highlighted in the feedback for all three top teachers.

Onni Pyhälahti was selected as a top teacher for the third time. Students particularly appreciate his participatory teaching style, as well as the safe and relaxed atmosphere in his classes, which makes it easy to take part and learn.

“The first time, I thought it might have been a fluke. The second time, I was already a bit more convinced, and this year I feel that of all the things in the world, teaching really is the one I’m good at. This recognition means a lot and has genuinely encouraged me in my work,” Pyhälahti says.

Students describe Jussi Luoma as a top professional whose extensive work experience and passion for the field are evident in his teaching. He is characterised as an encouraging teacher with a positive energy, who genuinely cares about both students and teaching.

“Recognition from students means a great deal! I’m a new teacher, and I was quite nervous beforehand about how this would turn out. This has given me confidence that I’m more or less on the right track,” says Luoma with a laugh.

According to students, it is clear that Tero Ulvinen truly knows what he is talking about. This is reflected in both the quality of his teaching and his teaching materials. In addition, Ulvila is praised for always responding quickly to students’ messages.

“Recognition like this from students feels especially valuable and gives a real sense of meaning to what I do. Many thanks!” Ulvinen says with delight.

An Encouraging Atmosphere Supports Learning

Having worked as a teacher for only six months, Luoma moved to Vaasa University of Applied Sciences from the Helsinki metropolitan area. Previously, he worked in development roles and as an expert in education, training, and the social services sector. He teaches subjects such as social pedagogy, preventive child welfare and family work, creative and functional methods, social rehabilitation, criminal sanctions, and youth work. He enjoys using participatory, creative, and hands-on teaching methods.

“Practical relevance is important to me. As I’m new to teaching, I strive to experiment with a variety of teaching methods,” Luoma says, adding that he continuously evaluates and develops his work through honest self-reflection.

“I collaborate with working life, for example in course planning and through various visits.”

In their feedback, students describe Luoma’s teaching style as a perfect ten.

“His classes keep you interested, and it’s enjoyable to attend. Jussi encourages the group to speak up and think. He truly works with his heart and becoming a social services professional like him is something everyone should aspire to,” the feedback states.

An Inspiring and Motivating Teaching Style

Pyhälahti has been teaching mathematics and physics at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences for several years. Before joining VAMK, he worked in middle school and in employment training.

“In practice, I was quite a rookie when I arrived,” he laughs, adding that he mainly uses fairly traditional teaching methods.

“Students always receive a video recording of each lesson as well as lecture slides with notes. I’ve also created some teaching videos on YouTube,” Pyhälahti explains, noting that he continuously strives to develop his skills.

“This spring, I started a video series related to medication calculations, and I’m always trying to improve my proficiency with different software tools.”

Students praise Pyhälahti’s inspiring and motivating teaching approach.

“Onni genuinely invests in both teaching and students. His teaching style is energetic and engaging. He is the first teacher who has truly helped me understand mathematics, not just calculate,” students write in their feedback.

The Role of AI in Teaching

Having worked at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences for four years, Ulvinen mainly teaches information technology students subjects such as web technologies, application development, and AI solutions using a variety of teaching methods. Previously, Ulvinen worked for several years as an IT teacher at Vamia, and before that spent a long time in small IT product development companies as a project manager and software developer, implementing solutions in e-commerce, communications, and wellbeing services.

His professional background continues to be strongly reflected in his teaching, for example, in a development-oriented approach and in generating new concepts in research, development, and innovation work.

“Industry trends, and especially artificial intelligence at the moment, are strongly reflected in teaching. AI brings new opportunities for learning, but it is important that students also learn the fundamental skills in a more traditional way while developing an ‘IT mindset’, that is, the ability to think logically, manage in new technical environments, and break down complex problems into parts. In terms of content, our education is increasingly focusing on utilising AI in application development and integrating AI into business,” Ulvinen explains.

Ulvinen says he keeps up with changes in the field through product development in projects, collaboration with companies, various trainings, online materials, and AI.

“In addition, I am currently pursuing postgraduate studies at the university. Together, these ensure that I can provide students with both up-to-date practical skills and research-based knowledge,” he notes.

Student feedback highlights Ulvinen’s ability to take into account different starting levels, making learning smoother.

“Tero is encouraging and approachable. His teaching style keeps students engaged and supports learning in a versatile way,” students write.

Student Success is Rewarding

According to Luoma, the best part of teaching is seeing the moment of insight and enthusiasm in students’ eyes.

“Direct feedback from students is, of course, encouraging and invaluable,” Pyhälahti adds.

Ulvinen thinks the absolute highlight of teaching is following students’ growth stories and interacting with them.

“It’s always a great moment when a student manages to accomplish something that would have been impossible at the beginning of their studies. It shows concretely what kind of progress has been made. From my teacher education studies, one quote by Christa McAuliffe has stayed with me: ‘I touch the future, I teach.’ Of course, it’s also very rewarding to see students find employment in the field and progress in their careers,” he reflects.

During the summer break, teachers have the opportunity to recharge and prepare for the coming academic year. All three mainly plan to relax and spend time with their families.

In the picture from left VAMOK’s Advocacy Coordinator Eelis Vesanto, Tero Ulvinen, Onni Pyhälahti, Jussi Luoma and VAMOK’s Chairperson of the Board Samuel Malm. IMAGE: Sanni Saari/VAMK