Educator Positivity Rebounds, AI Use in Classrooms Continues to Surge

HMH's latest Educator Confidence Report finds a 6x increase in AI adoption since 2023, with users reporting greater optimism, more time to engage with students, and a desire for more training

BOSTON, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Educators are more optimistic about their profession than they have been since before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Still, less than half report overall positive feelings, with decreasing funding and support for education topping the list of concerns, according to HMH's 11th annual Educator Confidence Report (ECR).

The national survey of more than 1,200 K–12 teachers and administrators also found that use of AI continues to skyrocket. Sixty-seven percent of educators report using AI in their work over the last year, compared to just 10 percent in 2023.

Educators point to technology and the growing use of AI as key contributors to a more hopeful outlook, citing time savings, stronger student connections, and differentiated learning. At the same time, concerns about classroom misuse and a strong desire for more training highlight opportunities for continued support.

Outlook on Teaching: Optimism Returns, but Challenges Remain

After positivity toward the teaching profession dropped to lows of 24% in the aftermath of the pandemic, a renewed sense of optimism is emerging in classrooms nationwide. This year's survey showed a 10-point increase from 2024, with 46% of teachers saying they feel positive about the profession, the highest since the pandemic.

Educators are not only feeling better, but they are also seeing more student progress. This year, 38% of teachers reported observing more academic growth in their classrooms, compared to 30% last year. Other signs of optimism include educators' slight decrease in mental health concerns for both peers and students.

Still, educators continue to navigate pressures:

• 59% of educators cite funding as a top concern.
• 36% of administrators say they'll definitely leave the field within five years, a 10-point increase from last year.

"Teachers are embracing new tools, new challenges, and new ways of reaching their students," said Jack Lynch, President and CEO of HMH. "This year's report shows that educators are curious and excited to explore the next frontier of classroom technology, and that the right innovations are helping them feel more hopeful and fulfilled in their work. That's what happens when technology amplifies great instruction and keeps human connection at the heart of every classroom."

Outlook on Technology in the Classroom: Time Back to Connect Benefits Students; Concerns Persist

Technology is now a core part of daily instruction, and when used effectively, it's helping teachers personalize learning and strengthen student relationships.

• 3 in 4 educators say tech gives them more time to connect with students.
• 2 in 3 say it improves student success.
• 89% say it helps tailor instruction to student needs.

While educators see technology as useful, concerns persist. Around 50% cite student distraction and misuse as their top challenge—underscoring the need for continued training and guardrails to ensure tech enhances, not disrupts, the classroom experience.

Outlook on AI in Education: AI Takes Off, and Educators Want More Training

The use of generative AI in classrooms has surged, with 6x more educators using AI tools compared to 2023.

Educators who use AI tools are significantly more likely to feel hopeful about the profession, and less likely to consider leaving it. Educators using AI report time savings, instructional benefits, and higher confidence in their work:

• Nearly 90% of educators find generative AI valuable.
• 68% of educators who use AI tools say it saves them 1–5 hours per week.
• Nearly 4 in 5 feel confident using AI in an instructionally effective way.

Teachers are turning to AI, but say they need help preparing students for what's next:

• 87% say all users need ethical training on AI.
• Over 90% of educators are open to more AI-related training for themselves.
• Less than 50% feel equipped to prepare students for an AI-driven world.

"More and more teachers are experimenting with AI, and the time they're getting back, they're pouring right back into their students," said Francie Alexander, SVP of Efficacy Research at HMH. "Learning is social, especially in K–12, and AI is creating more room for those meaningful moments. What excites me most is that educators aren't just open to these tools; they're asking for support to use them well. Our job is to make sure they have the support to unlock everything this technology can offer for teaching and learning."

About the Educator Confidence Report 
For over a decade, HMH has surveyed educators on the state of education, their profession and students' needs. The Educator Confidence Report is an annual independent study distributed to a diverse national cross-section. The 11th annual Educator Confidence Report was underwritten by HMH and conducted between May 6 to May 22, 2025 with MarketCast, surveying 1,205 U.S. educators, including 1,055 teachers and 150 administrators.

To read the full 2025 Educator Confidence Report, visit HMH.com/ECR.

About HMH
HMH is an adaptive learning company that helps educators create growth for every student. Our integrated curriculum, assessment and professional learning solutions use data to paint a full picture of every learner and recommend how to best support their needs. By partnering with educators, we create lasting momentum so that all students can reach their full potential. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 4 million educators in 150 countries. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com.

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Katie Marshall
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SOURCE HMH Education Company