For Concept Lead Jonna Malaska, the most rewarding part of her work is making a real difference in classrooms by inspiring and supporting teachers and pupils through high-quality learning materials.

From teaching to publishing

Jonna Malaska is Concept Lead for primary education’s Finnish language and literature at Sanoma Pro, Finland’s leading publisher of learning materials and services. She leads the development of learning material concepts and a team of publishing editors, ensuring that the right people—internal experts and external collaborators—are involved at the right time in the process, and that the final materials reflect the needs of both teachers and pupils.

Before joining the world of publishing, Jonna taught Finnish language and literature in primary schools, with a focus on Finnish as a second language. During her teaching years, she sometimes reflected on other career opportunities.

“As a teacher, I often wondered how my skills and strengths might translate beyond the classroom. That’s when the idea began to form: what if I moved from using learning materials to developing them?”

This reflection eventually led to a career pivot—moving from a user of learning materials to becoming one of their creators. In early 2019, Jonna transitioned from teaching to publishing, joining Sanoma Pro as a publishing editor through an open recruitment process.

Her first project was nothing short of iconic: the Finnish ABC book, or aapinen. It was a formative experience that allowed her to contribute to the development of Finland’s most widely used ABC book and to help modernize the country’s rich ABC tradition.

Finding inspiration in the purpose

"From the moment I entered the publishing world, I felt a deep enthusiasm for creative development and new ideas," says Jonna.

That enthusiasm eventually led her to the role of Concept Lead in 2021, where she now drives strategic product development of Finnish language and literature for primary education. For Jonna, the greatest reward in her work lies in its significance.

"We’re not just making books or digital products—we’re shaping the tools that support learning and teaching across the country."

She is especially passionate about literacy and reading engagement, emphasizing the civic importance of reading skills and the urgent need to ignite a love of reading in new generations.

“Reading is a civic skill—one of the most essential abilities pupils are expected to master and continually develop in school. To support that journey, we need modern tools that strengthen literacy and spark genuine reading engagement.”

Equally important to her is the spirit of collaboration.

"Learning materials are never created in isolation, it takes a team of professionals—and most importantly, input from teachers and pupils. Every development process begins with their needs and inspirations drawn from everyday school life."

Working for Sanoma Learning

For Jonna, Sanoma Learning is a place where people, collaboration, and purpose come together.

“It’s the three Cs: colleagues, collaboration, and customers! It’s a privilege to work with skilled and enthusiastic colleagues from whom I get to learn so much every day. Collaboration is the cornerstone of our success, whether we’re developing market-leading learning materials or nurturing a positive and inclusive working atmosphere. And our customers—teachers and pupils—give true meaning to everything we do. They are at the heart of it all.”

Work-life balance is also an important part of her journey. Sanoma’s trust-based culture enables her to organize her time in a way that supports both her professional ambitions and personal life.

“Sanoma supports my work-life balance by giving me the flexibility to choose how and where I work. That freedom helps me stay energized, focused, and well—without having to compromise one for the other.”

Growth and development are embedded in her everyday experience.

“Over the years, I’ve had the chance to deepen my expertise and take on new responsibilities that have helped me grow both professionally and personally. Sanoma has provided access to valuable training opportunities—both internal and external—that have helped me build new skills and stay up to date. Having a manager who actively encourages development, along with a team that shares knowledge and supports one another, has also made a real difference.”

“Stay curious”

Asked if she has a personal motto, Jonna doesn’t hesitate:

“Stay curious. Curiosity opens the door to new ways of working, fresh solutions to old challenges, and even game-changing ideas. When it comes to developing market-leading learning materials, curiosity isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.”

A fun fact

And outside of work? Jonna reveals a her special skill:

“I’ve been secretly (or not so secretly in a dance class) working on my popping skills since the start of the year. Still far from stage-ready, but I can definitely hit a decent wave!”