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Antiracism in Finnish Teacher Education is a qualitative study with the goal of examining the role of antiracist pedagogy in Finnish teacher education. In relation to this aim, classroom teacher education curricula from four universities (University of Helsinki, Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥, University of Oulu, Ã…bo Akademi University, Vaasa) are being analyzed. Teacher education students from these institutions are also being surveyed to map their experiences with antiracism in teacher education. Small scale action research on this topic has already taken place in a joint Antiracism in Education pilot course between the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ and the University of Helsinki in Spring 2023, and the course was implemented again in Spring 2024 to continue this research.

Antiracism work plays a significant role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs 3, 4, 5,10,16), which guide the curricula of both higher education institutions and elementary schools. Teachers and children are often left alone without the resources to deal with the escalating social and global situation. The lack of recognition of racism increases the risk of exclusion, physical and mental distress, and polarization in society. Antiracism work requires the structural identification and recognition of racism, as well as active and preventive work by highlighting injustices and addressing them.