lärare

Lärare is the Swedish term for a person who educates students in schools and other educational settings. In Sweden, the word covers teachers in grundskolan (primary and lower secondary), gymnasiet (upper secondary), vocational education, and adult education. The profession is typically characterized by designing and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, and supporting students’ overall development and well-being.

Etymology and usage: The noun lärare derives from the verb lära, meaning to learn or to teach, with the agent suffix -are. The term is widely used for school teachers, while other teaching roles in higher education are usually specified with additional descriptors such as universitetslärare for university teachers.

Education and qualifications: In Sweden, working as a lärare in compulsory schools generally requires completing a teacher education program at a university or university college that combines subject knowledge with pedagogical training and supervised teaching practice. Tracks include grundlärare for primary education and ämneslärare for subject-specific teaching, as well as speciallärare for special education and gymnasielärare for upper secondary education. Paths may vary by level and specialization, and ongoing professional development is common.

Roles and responsibilities: Lärare plan and implement instruction, adapt teaching to diverse student needs, assess learning and provide feedback, manage classroom behavior, and collaborate with colleagues, school leaders, and parents. They contribute to curriculum implementation, assessment practices, and school improvement efforts, often using technology and inclusive education strategies to support all learners.

Context and scope: The teaching profession in Sweden encompasses public and private schools, with responsibilities that may include mentoring, guidance, and participation in school development. While основn aim is to foster knowledge and skills, lärare also play a key role in fostering critical thinking, citizenship, and lifelong learning.