The survey of 1,200 K–12 professionals reveals a profession experiencing a rare moment of optimism. For the fourth consecutive year, morale has improved, with more than half of respondents reporting a positive outlook on teaching—the highest level recorded since the study began in 2015. Administrators, in particular, show increased stability, with a significant majority signaling no desire to leave the field.

However, this confidence does not extend to the halls of government. Seven in 10 educators express doubt that current policy trends will meaningfully improve student outcomes. While concerns regarding mental health and funding persist, they have softened compared to previous years. Educators now prioritize the quality of their digital tools over the sheer volume, demanding AI that integrates into existing curricula rather than disrupting the human element of instruction. HMH CEO Jack Lynch noted that while efficiency is a common goal, teachers remain wary of AI replacing the essential student-teacher relationship. The consensus is clear: technology should serve as a scaffold for high-quality pedagogy, not a replacement for the classroom experience.