Pia Kola-Torvinen
Education; Educational Leadership; Teacher Competence; Curriculum Expertise; Education Export
Educa-flagship, Rigt to Belong, Participants’ Finland
Counsellor of Education, Finnish National Agency for Education
Doctoral Researcher, University of Helsinki
My research focuses on how leadership during times of change is manifested across different levels of the comprehensive education system. Methodologically, the study adopts a bottom-up approach, starting from the school leadership level and progressing toward higher administrative structures. The next administrative level is the education provider level, which forms a key linkage connecting schools to local governance and national-level decision-making. The theoretical framework of the research is grounded in complexity and systems thinking, as well as the principle of distributed leadership across the different levels of the system.
In my role as Professor of Practice, I examine perspectives on inclusion and learning within the context of education and upbringing.
In my teaching, I focus on analyzing development trends within national education systems, exploring leadership perspectives in the field of education, and promoting inclusion in both teaching and learning. These themes are approached through an integration of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, combining research-based solutions with evidence-informed pedagogical practices. My aim is to foster critical understanding of systemic change, leadership dynamics, and inclusive strategies that enhance educational equity and participation.
- Kohtaamisia, ei kuiluja – tutkimus ja työelämä dialogissa (2025)
- Kas!-blogi
(E1 Popularised blog post) - Yksin ryhmässä (2025)
- Liito - Liikunnan ja Terveystiedon Opettaja
(D1 Article in a professional journal) - Rehtoreiden kokemuksia yhteiskunnallisten, koulutuspoliittisten ja paikallisten muutosten vaikutuksista koulujen johtamiseen (2024)
- Kasvatus : Suomen kasvatustieteellinen aikakauskirja
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Educational Policy, Governance, and Leadership (2023) Leadership in Educational Contexts in Finland Alava, Jukka; Kola-Torvinen, Pia; Risku, Mika
(A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book)