Meet JYU alumni Kari Seppä

A legendary teacher from Oulunsalo

Kari Seppä began working at Pitkäkangas School in 1988, immediately after graduating with a Master's degree in Sports Science from the University of Jyväskylä. He worked at the same school in Oulunsalo throughout his career, and his influence on the local sports culture will be felt for a long time to come. Seppä is particularly praised for his ability to consider every single student and for creating a safe and encouraging atmosphere in his classes.
“Kari Seppä is well-liked and respected among students and colleagues – always ready to help, participate and support. Kari's contribution has been so significant that he can be considered the founder of Oulunsalo's sports culture, whose influence can already be seen in several generations," stated Liito ry in its award criteria. 

An expert in pedagogy and group management

As a teacher, Seppä's strengths have included his excellent ability to lead groups and his talent for inspiring even the most challenging students. Seppä has been able to differentiate his teaching, give precise feedback and make the objectives of each lesson transparent. Although Seppä's lessons were orderly, there was always a twinkle in his eye. He has ensured that his students receive encouragement and experiences of success. 

A master of participation

As a teacher, Seppä's trademarks were positive encouragement and chattering with his students. These methods allowed him to create an atmosphere of joy and surprise. His banter was playful and friendly, making his students laugh, relax and, above all, participate.
Kari Seppä believes that exercise is not just about physical performance, but about holistic well-being, the joy of exercise and social interaction. This was evident in Kari's classes, where he fostered an inclusive atmosphere in which every student felt part of the group and experienced success. "From the very beginning, I aimed to make everyone feel comfortable participating and accepting others for who they are." 

 ”From the start, I have strived to ensure that everyone feels comfortable participating and allows others to be themselves.” 

The importance of education – the University of Jyväskylä shaped his teaching career

Kari Seppä's teaching career was firmly grounded in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä – the only faculty in Finland that offers university-level physical education teacher training. Seppä graduated with a Master's degree in Sports Science in the late 1980s and adopted the principles that guided his pedagogical work in Jyväskylä. 

During his studies, he formed lifelong friendships that have provided him with great support throughout his career, helping him to build his identity as a teacher and facilitating cooperation in later years. 

”It was easy to get in touch with my fellow students. We were able to share experiences, give advice, organise projects and exchange information. This was particularly important in the early stages of my teaching career.”

Builder of sports culture and a coach

Seppä's influence extended beyond the school walls. At that time, street hockey was a popular game in the yards and streets of Oulunsalo. This grew into a local phenomenon, leading to the success of the teams coached by Seppä in School Sports Federation competitions. Between 1997 and 2013, Pitkäkangas School won a total of 12 Finnish championship medals in floorball, strengthening the sense of community in Oulunsalo.

Thoughts from an old stager

Today, Kari is concerned about the passive effect that social media and mobile phones have on the physical activity of children, young people and adults. The sound of running footsteps in courtyards and on streets has largely disappeared. This decline in everyday physical activity can have long-term consequences for the well-being and physical development of children and young people. Seppä would like to see families offering their children more grassroots physical activities, such as skating, sledging, swimming and street hockey. This kind of everyday activity would help children to develop their basic motor skills and socialise.

Seppä would also like to see physical education teacher training include guidance on healthy voice use and hearing care. Many physical education teachers suffer from hearing loss and problems with voice use and vocal cord health due to echoing halls, large groups and noisy working environments caused by excitement during games. At one point, Seppä provided all his colleagues in Oulunsalo with electronic whistles – a good starting point for occupational health and safety measures.

Seppä currently works as an assistant coach for AC Oulu Volley, continuing to spread the joy of physical activity through volleyball.

Sources

• Kari Seppä, awarded the title of Physical Education Teacher of the Year, has earned a legendary reputation[munoulu.fi]
• Becoming a legendary physical education teacher through humour and funny stories [kaleva.fi]
• Association of Physical Education and Health Teachers: Physical Education Teacher of the Year 2025 [liito.fi]
• Legendary physical education teacher Kari Seppä retired [rantalakeus.fi]
• University of Jyväskylä – Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences
• AC Oulu Volley – Profile of Kari Seppä
• telephone interview 19 January 2026