My Development as a Teacher
Professional development, pedagogical thinking and international teaching experience.
My name is Juho Kastemaa and I am a teacher in the field of information and communication technology. I completed the International Professional Teacher Education (IPTE) programme at HAMK University of Applied Sciences. The programme consists of 60 ECTS credits and provides the pedagogical qualifications required for official teacher certification in Finland.
International cooperation and teaching have been an important part of my professional background. I have delivered training in English, taught digital skills courses, and organised online learning opportunities in international contexts.
This page presents my professional development as a teacher and reflects on how my teaching identity and pedagogical thinking have developed during my studies and teaching career.
My Background
My professional background combines information technology, digital design, and education. I have worked as a teacher in several educational institutions in Finland, including HAMK University of Applied Sciences, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Savon Vocational College, and Vantaa Vocational College Varia.
I have taught subjects such as 3D modelling, 3D scanning and printing, game development, graphic design, programming (SQL, PHP), HTML web development, and basic IT skills. My earlier professional experience includes publishing digital games on the Steam platform and working as a designer in an advertising agency in California. These experiences have influenced my teaching approach, where I combine technical skills, creativity, and practical learning.
What Teacher Education Gave Me
Teacher education has given me a deeper understanding of how to connect teaching with pedagogical methods. In challenging situations, I can identify which methods learned during my studies are most suitable. I have developed a strong awareness of different types of learners and human personalities, as well as key teacher roles, including The Teacher as a Pedagogical Actor, The Teacher as an Expert of Learning, and The Teacher as a Societal Reformer.
I have also learned effective ways to mentor, guide, and assess students through Personal Competence Assessments and Development Discussions. The course has provided opportunities to explore the future of society and vocational education, focusing on internationality, sustainable development, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation as factors shaping educational change. Throughout my studies, I have used foresight methods to analyse future challenges and opportunities, supporting both planning and reflection in education.
My Development Goals
My main development goals focus on managing challenging situations and continuously improving my professional skills. I aim to further develop my international teaching activities, including building and maintaining contacts with educational institutions abroad.
I also strive to strengthen my assertiveness and confidence in teaching situations, ensuring clear communication and effective guidance. Additionally, I am committed to designing courses that are well-structured, understandable, and pedagogically meaningful, supporting students in their learning and skill development.
Most Valuable Experiences During Studies
One of the most valuable experiences during my studies was an international teaching exchange in Malta at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS). This opportunity broadened my understanding of international education and allowed me to meet many interesting people. A particularly memorable experience was exploring how AR technologies could be applied in tourism education, for example in training airport staff. I created a visualization to demonstrate this approach.
During my studies, I also had the opportunity to study abroad in the United States and Australia as part of my Master’s and BBA programmes. These experiences provided new perspectives, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of different educational and cultural approaches.
My Role in the Learning Community
My role as a member of the learning community has involved active collaboration with fellow teachers and educational staff. For example, in my graphic design classes, I organised guest lectures, and I have co-taught lessons with special education teachers, taking complementary guiding roles.
I have also served as a lead teacher, supervising Bachelor’s theses, and guiding responsible discussions with students. In addition, I have collaborated with various stakeholders as part of the teaching team, contributing to modules in Information Technology, Digital Media, and Game Development. These experiences have strengthened my teamwork, mentoring, and leadership skills within the educational community.
How My Teaching Skills Developed
My teaching expertise and skills have developed significantly during my studies. I have become more capable of applying a variety of pedagogical methods and of understanding learners as individuals with different ways of thinking. This deeper understanding of human learning and diverse perspectives has been a key area of growth during my studies.
I have also grown as a teacher by gaining a better understanding of school practices, as well as national and international regulations and standards. I have learned how to act professionally as a teacher and what responsibilities my role entails. By applying these skills together with my teaching groups whether young adults or adult learners. I am able to create more effective, engaging, and supportive learning experiences.
Future as a Teacher
The future of teaching presents new challenges, including the integration of AI, smart devices, new ways of working, remote education, and increasing international collaboration. To prepare for these changes, I have engaged with foresight methods, exploring alternative future scenarios and the PESTEL framework to analyse societal megatrends, signals, and change factors.
This approach allows me to observe and interpret the evolving educational landscape, taking into account the roles of sustainable development, technology, internationality, entrepreneurship, and innovation as drivers of change. Understanding these trends helps me adapt my teaching practices, anticipate future challenges, and support students in developing the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.