Newton teachers and school owners came together in Bodø this October for the annual Newton Network Conference. We caught up with five of the brand-new Newton teachers to hear what they thought about joining the community
BODØ/NORWAY: Engaged Newton teachers and school owners from all over the country gathered in Bodø from 20–22 October, when this year’s Conference took place in Bodø.
This year, many new Newton teachers joined the annual Network Conference.
Daniel Johan Krogh and Julia Linnes from Hammerfest, Daniel Selnes Sortland from Svolvær, Randi Sandstad from Kristiansund, and Christine Johnsen from Stord all had nothing but praise for both the gathering and the Newton Concept.
They all highlight how valuable it is, both professionally and socially, to meet other Newton Teachers and school owners from across the country.
The event kicked off on Sunday with an informal get-together at FIRST Scandinavia’s offices, complete with food and drinks.
The Norwegian Newton Network met in Bodø this October.
Building community
“We felt very welcome. Meeting already on Sunday was a great icebreaker, so I’d definitely recommend joining that part,” says Julia.
Her colleague Daniel nods in agreement:
“Everyone has been really friendly. It’s great to be part of the Network Gathering and experience both the social side and the professional side – hearing about the modules, and getting the chance to test out new ideas.”
Monday and Tuesday where filled with lectures, workshops and key note speakers. As the three days drew to a close, Daniel Selnes Sortland from Newton Svolvær reflected on what had stood out most for him.
“Taking part in something that builds community – that’s what matters to me. Being part of something bigger than yourself. We gain new professional insights while also getting to know one another.”
Randi Sandstad, a new Newton teacher at the one-year-old Newton Room in Kristiansund, agrees:
“During lunch or dinner, you start chatting, and that’s often when the ideas come up – ideas we can take back to our own Newton Rooms. Maybe we get inspired to try a new Newton Module or make changes in our teaching. There have been a lot of ‘nuts cracked’ these past two days – and that might be the most important thing of all.”
When asked what they like most about the Newton concept, everyone answers in unison: the hands-on approach.
“Some pupils understand the theory, while others grasp the practical side – and together they gain a shared understanding,” says Randi.
Julia agrees, adding that in Newton, there’s never just one right way to solve a task:
“Every path is valid. It’s all about exploration, creativity, and collaboration,” she says.
After several days filled with professional input and new connections, the cheerful group of new Newton teachers are now heading home.
And it’s Daniel Selnes Sortland from Svolvær who gets the final word:
“In Newton, we create a space where different kinds of pupils get the chance to shine – perhaps especially those who don’t quite fit into the regular classroom.”
