
Celebrated teacher celebrates 15 years on the job: “Teaching is in my DNA”
March 12, 2024
In February 2024, economics teacher Andreas Liljesson celebrated 15 years at Affärsgymnasiet in Örebro. Over the years, he has left a strong impression on his students and considers the school to be his second home. We talk to Andreas about his drive as a teacher, the family legacy that took a long time to accept and the importance of relationship-building in teaching.
In February 2009, Andreas Liljesson entered Affärsgymnasiet (business upper secondary school) for the first time. He could not have known then that 15 years later he would still be there, that he would have the chance to leave a strong impression on hundreds of students.
To say he has left an impression is an understatement. It is reflected in the students’ opinions about him. As part of the 15-year celebration, the school posted a post with Andreas on social media. The post has received over 300 likes and around 20 comments.
Some of the comments:
“Such a wise, inspiring and kind teacher.”
“The world’s best teacher.”
“There is no better teacher.”
”Andreas king”
“An extraordinary teacher”
But although he is of course pleased to receive a good response from the students, compliments are not the driving force that makes him continue to wholeheartedly love teaching. The real motive lies in being part of the students’ development.
“Seeing the development process is like a salary. And it’s extra awesome when they see it themselves. It is not always that they notice that they are taking small steps in the right direction, but I, as a teacher, see it,” he explained and continued,
“It doesn’t just have to be during school hours. Even former students can stop by and tell about their life; explain that what we did at school actually changed their way of looking at things. It’s super cool.”
As an economics teacher, Andreas Liljesson particularly enjoys being able to teach areas that the students did not touch much before high school. Because they are naturally curious about the “core subjects” in economics, these student groups are always wonderful to work with,
“Sunday anxiety does not exist. Even on days when the pieces of life’s puzzle are thrown in different directions, I know that my colleagues and students will fill my energy again as soon as I step into school.”
But it was not always obvious that Andreas Liljesson would feel this way about his role. Even though he has the teaching profession in his blood, he fought against his family heritage and worked as an economist for 7 years before he started studying to become a teacher.
“Teaching is in my DNA. It was probably something I always wanted, actually. Once I accepted who I was, it was really like finding the right fit,” he said.
According to Andreas, the fact that the entire staff has created something that they are proud of, passionate about and continue to develop together is one of the coolest things about working at Affärsgymnasiet. He also points out that the school goes a step further by integrating entrepreneurship into the regular teaching.
“The school is probably particularly suitable for those who, in addition to school knowledge, also want to develop personally and take a step into the corporate world,” he explained, adding,
“At the same time, we expect responsive, open and curious students. Students who are keen to develop their own education and the school as a whole together with us teachers. Because it is together that we can achieve really cool things.”
How then does he succeed in motivating the students to grow?
In Liljesson’s book, the answer is spelled RELATIONS. Relationship building is the part he values the most because good relationships lay a secure foundation.
“It means that I can take the turns a little in the teaching. If it goes wrong, I can own up to it without losing face in front of the students. The respect is already there. I usually say, ‘Okay guys, this didn’t go so well and it’s my fault. Let’s not redo this.’ Good relationships are very important to me. I really want the students to feel that I want their best in every teaching moment.”
That he values good relationships can also be seen in the expression he coined at school: “Love for it”. It has become a bit of a mantra that students and other staff also use.
“I think it sums up our philosophy, which consists of hard work with heart and commitment. Like: love it!”
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