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News | 03 September 2026

Celebrating IES Kungsbacka’s Teacher Awards Finalist

On 16 October, educators from across the country will gather in Stockholm for the prestigious Lärargalan, and two remarkable local winners proudly represent IES. Joining IES Hässleholm’s Ms Esteves on the big stage is IES Kungsbacka’s Ms Stina Hammarlund. In this feature, we sit down with Ms Hammarlund to talk about keeping students engaged, the rewarding moments of the teaching profession, and their expectations ahead of the gala night.

Now in her fourth year of teaching, Ms Hammarlund is relatively new to the profession, making the award a strong sense of personal validation. The fact that the nomination came directly from her students makes it all the more meaningful:

"It feels extremely honouring, of course. Getting that kind of validation that you are actually doing something right feels both reassuring and encouraging. The fact that it is the students themselves who have nominated me makes it extra special," says Ms Hammarlund.

Today’s classrooms bring together students with diverse needs, personalities, and expectations. Ms Hammarlund therefore does not believe in a one-size-fits-all model for what makes a good teacher, relying instead on her own inner compass:

"I try to be the kind of teacher I would have wanted myself: someone who is passionate about their subject, cares about their students, and ensures they leave the classroom feeling that they can actually succeed."

ENTHUSIASM IS CONTAGIOUS
Ms Hammarlund believes it is difficult to spark interest in students if you do not demonstrate it yourself. She therefore strives to find what is exciting even in the parts of the curriculum that might be harder to sell, while giving plenty of space to the students’ own thoughts and ideas.

"If I show that I am genuinely interested in what they have to say, I believe there is a greater chance they will become interested in what I have to say," she explains.

The most rewarding aspect of the job is undoubtedly connecting with the young people. The conversations and discussions – whether in the classroom, the corridor, or the dining hall – are the highlights of her daily routine.

"And I learn something new every day," Stina adds. "Sometimes about Swedish, sometimes about life, and sometimes something I certainly hadn't expected to find out when I went to work in the morning."

Ahead of the grand gala night in Stockholm, she feels both excitement and joy. She views the event as a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the teaching profession, while also looking forward to the occasion itself. Her plan is to enjoy the evening and take in the whole experience, regardless of the outcome for the national award.

In a busy school routine filled with planning, assessment, and documentation, the nomination has served as an important reminder of why she chose the profession in the first place. To others who have recently stepped into the classroom, she offers a humble piece of advice shaped by her own early years:

"As a bit of a perfectionist, my top advice is to remember that it is completely fine if everything doesn't go exactly as planned. When you are trying to navigate everything that comes with being a teacher, you will sometimes get things a little wrong. And that is completely okay. You learn along the way."

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TEACHER OF THE YEAR IN KUNGSBACKA, NOMINATION: “Stina Hammarlund is a dedicated and skilled teacher who combines clear structure with genuine care for her students. She creates a safe and meaningful learning environment where every student feels seen, challenged, and supported to develop according to their individual abilities. Through her responsiveness, commitment, and ability to provide clear feedback, she helps students grow both academically and as individuals. Her professionalism, warmth, and strong student focus mean that she makes a real difference – every single day.”