In the last decade, Finland has emerged as the leading OECD country in educational achievement. In examining the sources of Finland's dramatic rise to the top, research shows one key element that has impacted Finland's success above all others: excellent teachers. This policy brief details the key elements of Finland's successful system, examining teacher preparation, professional learning and development, decision-making systems and practices for curriculum and assessment, future policy issues for Finland, and lessons that the United States can learn from Finland's success. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)