Welcome to Sånt är livet i Sverige – or That’s Life in Sweden!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ann-Katrin Swärd — a former classroom teacher, university educator, and researcher with extensive expertise in special needs education.

A critical question that is explored is inclusion and the roles of Special Needs Teachers (speciallärare) and Special Pedagogues (specialpedagoger)—professionals who are central to building inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Ann-Katrin shares the path to becoming qualified in these roles in Sweden and clarifies the differences between them.

She also reflects on key questions:

• What knowledge, skills, and values do future special educators need to meet the realities of today’s classrooms?

• And are our teacher education programs truly preparing them for the task?

• The complexity of identifying and supporting children with special needs in increasingly diverse classroom settings.

• The impact of unqualified teachers—and the pressure this places on both students and colleagues.

• The persistent gap between theory and practice, especially in the collaboration between universities and schools supporting preservice teachers.

We also take a comparative look beyond Sweden’s borders: How do other countries support students with special needs? And what can we learn from international practices that prioritize inclusion, collaboration, and systemic support?

Finally, Dr. Svärd share about an excelletn book titled “Positive Special Education”—a powerful invitation to reframe special education not as a reaction to deficits, but as a space for possibility, participation. Do join as Ann-Katrin reflects on what it truly means to build a Learning Community for Peace—where inclusion is not just a concept, but a lived, daily reality for all children and students and peace.

This is a must-hear episode for all teachers and educators everywhere, please share widely, comment, discuss and ENJOY.

The book: Positive Special Education: Theories, Applications and Inspiration. Routledge

Ann-Katrin Swärd (2024) Challenge students to read and write in a creative way without fixed material. (Editors Monica Reichenberg, Ann-Katrin Swärd and Chathrine Shiptone) Positive Special Education . Theories, Applications and Inspiration. Routledge

Today I welcome Claes Martinson Professor in Private Law, Excellent Teacher, from the University of Gothenburg he is also the holder of the Torsten Pettersson chair in Maritime and Transport Law.

Listen to Professor Martinson reflect on the evolving role of the university—its purpose, and whether its direction is increasingly shaped by business interests or government agendas. He shares candid insights into the challenges of teaching in today’s academic landscape and how the student body has changed since he first entered the profession.

Professor Martinson also explores whether Artificial Intelligence poses a genuine threat to university teaching and governance, offering a thoughtful take on how AI may reshape higher education.

The conversation briefly touches on the disturbing influence of the current U.S. administration’s stance on diversity—and its potential ripple effects in Sweden—highlighting the need for vigilance and resistance.

This is essential listening for anyone considering a future in law, educators navigating today’s academic realities, or anyone curious to hear a brilliant professor speak openly about his work, his concerns, and his enduring belief in the university’s vital role in society.

Enjoy, comment, debate and remember to share widely,

https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/claesmartinson

• Private Law
• Property Law and Finance Law
• Scandinavian legal approach
• Maritime and Transport Law

• Regulatory models (Poseidon Principles, The Atmosphere as Property, etc)
• Legal embeddedness
• Legal science beyond its permanent state of inchoateness

• Private Law
• Property Law and Finance
• Mergers and acquisitions Law - Private Equity Finance Law
• Maritime and Transport Law

Welcome to this short episode where I share some thoughts and research on education—with a little help from my two new best friends: robots.

Yes, this episode is only 16 minutes and 32 seconds long, but I hope it offers something meaningful. I’ve been reflecting a lot on how we, as educators, are navigating the space between technology and human connection. And I’m concerned.

I’m concerned that we sometimes hesitate to embrace new technologies. Or we rush in without care. I believe we need to approach both technology and our relationships with students with intention—and above all, with care.

As technology continues to develop at incredible speed, we can’t ignore those without access to it—even those right beside us. Nor can we overlook the very real harm caused by overuse, by disconnection, by losing ourselves in the digital world.

This is where we come in.

As educators, we have a responsibility to understand not just how technology can support learning—but also where it might cause harm.

For me, technology is just that: a tool.

It will never replace students I meet. It will never replace the power of a real, caring human connection.

My approach is grounded in three principles:

1. Trust students.
2. Believe in students.
3. Inspire students to grow.

And the foundation is Care.

Care for students—not just for their academic growth, but for who they are as human beings. My goal is to guide them through the digital landscape so they don’t lose themselves, but learn to use technology in ways that are ethical, meaningful, and human. This means I too need to continue learning and that makes life & living truly meaningful

Thank you for listening. I hope this sparks something in your own reflections. Let's keep learning, together. / Remember TO BE KIND to you and those around you / Liisa