TOKYO nominated the Teacher of the year award in ARTS graduation ceremony on Friday 13.6.2014. The teacher of the year was chosen by the votes given from students of ARTS during May 2014.

Teacher of the Year…
… Teaches in exceptionally inspirational way
…Works hard to develop the learning community and to improve the interraction in between students and teachers
…Elaborates teaching actively
…Supports the individual learning of students
…Or has gained other significant merits during the academic year

The teacher of the year award was given to Professor emerita Pirkko Pohjakallio, from department of Art. Pirkko has been working as a professor in art education for a long time before she retired in spring 2014.

Arguments for the choice, picked up among the votes (and freely translated), were, for example: “A lot of knowledge and know-how, experience and love – leaves a huge hole to art education after retiring“, “Sampo of art education and an epic person in every given way“, “Pohjakallio has done a trendemous pioneering work both in art education and environment art and it was a huge privilege to get to enjoy of her teaching! We will miss Pirkko after she has retired!” and  “She is also one of the teachers of all times and this is our last chance to give this appropriate award for her”.

TOKYO congratulates and salutes you, Pirkko!