New Research Shows Declining Confidence in the Education Profession, With Educators Calling for Connection, Community and Customization
The 2022 Educator Confidence Report by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt reveals a significant decline in educator confidence, now at an all-time low of 40.0, compared to 49.0 in 2020. 81% of educators believe technology is crucial for teaching, with 73% noting its increased integration since the pandemic. Key concerns include mental health (78%) and adequate classroom funding (64%). To improve retention and appeal to new educators, 90% call for better salaries, while 67% seek enhanced well-being support. The report emphasizes the need for connection, community, and personalization in education.
- 81% of educators believe technology is essential for teaching.
- 73% report increased technology integration in classrooms post-pandemic.
- 79% of educators advocate for personalized learning solutions.
- Educator confidence has dropped to 40.0, its lowest in history.
- 76% of educators feel negatively about the teaching profession.
- 90% believe better salaries are necessary for appeal to new educators.
Critical insights reveal how edtech is transforming the classroom;
BOSTON, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the 2022 Educator Confidence Report, released today from learning technology company HMH, confidence in the education profession has dropped for the second year in a row. An annual barometer for how educators across the country are feeling about the state of teaching and learning, today's report found more than 3 in 4 (
According to HMH's research, which surveyed more than 1,000 K-12 classroom teachers and 125+ administrators, educator retention hinges on immediate needs more than long-term developments, including improved salary and benefits, support for educator well-being and adequate funding for the classroom. Conducted between May and June in partnership with MarketCast, the report revealed three major themes for achieving success in the future: Connection, Community and Customization.
Connection: A Digital-First Era
When it comes to technology, educators see strong connections between the teacher, student, classroom and home as the top priority. Seventy-three percent of educators report feeling technology is significantly more integrated into the classroom now than pre-pandemic, with tools to communicate between teachers and parents (
Importantly, survey results showed that educators realize the potential in classroom technology and can visualize how it fits into their workflow.
"We believe that the future of learning will be powered to a meaningful degree by technology yet centered on human connection, and this year's survey data gives us clear insight into how to realize that vision," said Jack Lynch, CEO of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "Educators are telling us that today's status quo isn't cutting it, but they also see a path to the future. Importantly, that path relies on addressing basic needs like wellbeing and mental health concerns, both for teachers and students, supported by connected technology that allows educators and focus on what matters most, human relationships."
Community: A Need for Broad Support
Educators report needing more consideration for their overall wellbeing now, with
"On top of concerns around student wellness and performance, educators are increasingly worried about their peers," said Francie Alexander, Chief Research Officer at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "To nurture their needs, we must invest in tools to help our educators make the connections with their networks in ways that best serve them. Parents, administrators, policymakers and community members are all needed to support teachers and foster a new generation of educators."
Customization: Personalization for Students and Educators
Data shows that educators believe the future of the classroom is personalized—for both students and teachers, with data-driven, personalized edtech solutions making it possible to meet everyone where they are.
With pandemic-induced interrupted learning continuing to stay top of mind in the classroom, educators said the top tools to aid sustained learning recovery were targeted instructional materials or resources (
Additional key findings from the eighth annual Educator Confidence Report include:
- Community support for teacher compensation is key for not only retention, but for the future of the profession. Concerns about teacher salaries are up
16% since 2020, and when looking forward to the next school year, a higher salary would be most motivating for educators, especially teachers (84% ). - Teachers are looking for more appreciation, respect and "trust in their experience." When considering long-term developments to support the profession, educators want increased community support and engagement (
52% ) – as respect for the role of the teacher is down26% since 2020 and a strengthening of the connection between families and schools has dipped18% since 2020. - Educator and student wellbeing emerges as a top theme coming out of the pandemic.
61% of educators agree the most positive thing to come out of pandemic-era schooling is the increased attention paid to student social and emotional needs. For this reason, there is a strong agreement around the need for well-planned SEL programs (87% ).
About the Educator Confidence Report
The Educator Confidence Report is an annual independent study, distributed to a diverse national cross section. The eighth annual Educator Confidence Report, underwritten by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and conducted between May-June 2022 with MarketCast, surveyed more than 1,200 educators, including 1,058 teachers and 143 administrators.
Learn more about the 2022 Educator Confidence Report at hmhco.com/ecr.
About HMH
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K–12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions, and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities. 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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Media Contact
Katie Marshall
Communications Manager, HMH
Katie.Marshall@hmhco.com
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SOURCE Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
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