Why Finland has the best schools!

Finland's repeated success in national education rankings means there are at least a few lessons we can learn. Here are some of the biggest ways Finland is winning in global education.
1. Competition isn't as important as cooperation - Finland has figured out that competition between schools doesn't get kids as far as cooperation between those schools. One reason for that is Finland has no private schools. Every academic institution in the country is funded through public dollars. Teachers are trained to issue their own tests instead of standardized tests. Teachers are trusted to do well without the motivation of competition.
And that's because ...
2. Teaching is one of the most-respected professions - Teachers aren't underpaid in Finland like they are in many countries. In fact, they're valued a lot since Finland puts a lot of stock in childhood as the foundation for lifelong development. To become a teacher in Finland, candidates must have first received at least their master's degree and complete the equivalent of a residency program in US medical schools. Student teachers often teach at affiliate elementary schools that adjoin a university.
The result: Teachers can be counted on to know the best pedagogical research on education that's out there. More here