Finnish Educators Thrive in Texas: Elevating Excellence at BASIS Benbrook

Jyrki and Sanni Kalliolahti are affectionately referred to as Mr. and Mrs. K.

A stroll through the hallways shows just how much the duo has become cherished figures at BASIS Benbrook — a charter school that serves grades from kindergarten through seventh grade.

“Hey, Mr. K!” a student shouts in welcome, as she embraces Mrs. K, looking for and receiving a hug.

The couple, who are natives of Finland, took a daring step in their careers when they relocated to Benbrook on an international teacher visitor visa, known as a J-1. They aspire for more Tarrant County schools and districts to seek collaboration with international educators, as BASIS has done with them.

Leslie Hoagland, the head of BASIS Benbrook, remarked that Mr. and Mrs. K are “top-notch.” When Hoagland and her team reviewed the couple’s applications, they immediately supported their visa approvals. As a relatively new charter school, the campus is committed to providing students with the finest educators, regardless of their origin, officials stated.

With over two decades of experience, the accomplished educators aimed to rekindle their enthusiasm for teaching while providing students with a fresh global viewpoint — for example, students were astonished to discover that Finland doesn’t have Chick-fil-A.

“We craved something different, something that would challenge us,” Jyrki shared. “In Finland, we were at the pinnacle of our salaries and felt there wasn’t much left to strive for. I would say we’ve rediscovered that passion.”

At BASIS, Sanni instructs algebra, pre-algebra, and algebra II to academically talented middle school students. Jyrki concentrates on mathematics and physics for sixth and seventh graders.

Both have observed significant distinctions between the Finnish and American educational systems — some more superficial than others.

“In Finland, teachers aren’t required to adorn their classrooms,” Sanni noted. “Here, teachers go all out with decorations. I’ve fully embraced it.”

A more significant difference lies in the structure of high school education, Jyrki explained. In Finland, students decide between two distinct routes: a general academic track or a vocational one.

“Finnish vocational schools are far more practical and focused, with reduced emphasis on theoretical studies,” he stated. “However, it is equally esteemed.”

Mr. and Mrs. K have incorporated a few Finnish customs into their classrooms, the couple revealed.

One such custom — urging students to utilize graph paper for math assignments — might seem minor, yet it instills the crucial elements of structure and organization essential to mathematics, according to Jyrki. Nonetheless, despite cultural variances, they have been impressed by BASIS students’ ambition and dedication.

“Some of our seventh graders are conquering high school-level content,” Jyrki expressed.

Outside the classroom, the couple has embraced Texas by exploring state parks on weekends and enjoying American culture, they stated.

“We’ve been astounded by the hospitality here,” Sanni remarked. “When we first arrived, colleagues assisted us in moving in, provided furniture, and made us feel at home. It brought me to tears.”

Mr. and Mrs. K are approaching the conclusion of their three-year teaching visas, they noted. Both face uncertainty regarding extending their stay.

“We’d love to stay and continue teaching here, but the process is extremely intricate,” Jyrki remarked.

They remain hopeful about finding a pathway to stay in the U.S., they mentioned. Their experience offers an important lesson for Tarrant County schools, Jyrki indicated.

“(Recruiting international educators) shouldn’t merely be a means to cut costs, but if it genuinely addresses a teacher shortage and you are somewhat selective — not just bringing in people en masse from various places — I believe it would be an excellent solution,” Jyrki suggested.

While they do not claim credit, the couple mentioned that sixth graders’ performance in mathematics has improved since their arrival on campus. In spring 2024, 78% of BASIS sixth graders who participated in state standardized tests in mathematics, or STAAR math, achieved grade level.

Until the academic year concludes — and the final bell of the 2024-25 school year rings — the couple is dedicated to maximizing their impact at BASIS, as they expressed. Each day, their students learn more about the Kalliolahtis’ homeland.

“They’re taken aback to learn we don’t have private schools. That all educators must hold two degrees,” Jyrki remarked.

“It’s been a delight to instruct not only math and science but a bit about our country too,” Sanni added.

Mr. and Mrs. K arrived in Benbrook seeking a new adventure.

Three years later, their students may embark on their own after gaining a global perspective, they said.

“We’ve shared with them how different it is from where we’re from — about the short days in winter, the long days in summer,” Jyrki explained. “What astonishes them is how alike people are.”

Matthew Sgroi serves as an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Reach out to him at [email protected] or @matthewsgroi1.

In the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently from our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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