Horace Mann Survey Shows Teachers Need Our Appreciation Now More Than Ever

Rhea-AI Summary

Horace Mann Educators (HMN) shared insights from a survey of America’s K-12 educators, revealing their challenges, passion for teaching, and the need for support. Educators highlight concerns such as student behavior, workload, mental health services, and the impact of AI. Horace Mann launches the "Beyond Grateful" campaign to show appreciation for teachers with free activities and support.

Positive

• Horace Mann's initiative to acknowledge and support educators through the 'Beyond Grateful' campaign demonstrates a commitment to recognizing the efforts of teachers.

• The positive relationships between educators and students, as highlighted in the survey, indicate a dedication to the teaching profession and the impact it has on students' lives.

Negative

• Educators facing challenges such as student behavior issues, workload concerns, and insufficient mental health resources underscore the need for further support and resources within the education sector.

• The uncertainties surrounding the impact of AI on teaching roles reflect potential concerns and the need for educators to adapt to technological advancements in the field.

“Beyond Grateful” Campaign benefits national educators during Teacher Appreciation Week and supports their desire for work-life balance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Horace Mann Educators Corporation (NYSE:HMN) announced new research today which shares insights from America’s public K-12 educators highlighting their thoughts on the teaching environment, classroom challenges and available resources. Educators indicate even with continued challenges their passion for teaching and positive relationships with students keep them in education, and more than half would recommend the profession.

Horace Mann survey shows educators need support now more than ever (Graphic: Business Wire)

“I became an educator because it’s rewarding to watch our students learn and grow,” said Adam Welcome, a former elementary school principal. “But it is so important today with the challenges in social emotional learning, especially since the pandemic, to find more ways to support educators and help them address some of the stressors they are facing.”

Among the top concerns educators have about teaching today:

• 82% note student behavior and classroom management
• 59% say workload and work-life balance
• 50% cite education policy changes
• 47% indicate salary and benefits

Other key findings:

• More than half feel resources for mental health services at their school are insufficient
• 46% say social behavior has changed significantly during their teaching career; 29% say they feel increased stress and anxiety
• 64% are unsure of the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) or how it can help or hinder their jobs

“Educators pursue the profession because they have a real desire to make a difference, but they have to feel supported,” said Horace Mann National Business Solutions Executive Kelly Ruwe. “The challenges and pressures educators and administrators face have continued to grow making it especially important to thank a teacher and show appreciation for their commitment and hard work. Many times, a simple thank you from a parent, student or colleague can be enough to lift their spirits.”

To celebrate and support America’s teachers, Horace Mann has launched its “Beyond Grateful: Relax, Rejuvenate, Refresh” campaign. Over the next month, this program recognizes educators' need for appreciation with free fitness and wellness activities, giveaways, comedy, music, and much more. To learn more and register, visit the website.

Survey methodology

The Horace Mann Educator Advisory Panel data is from a nationally representative survey of 1,200 U.S. educators, including public school K-12 teachers, administrators and support personnel. It was fielded in April 2024.

About Horace Mann

Horace Mann Educators Corporation is the largest financial services company focused on helping America’s educators and others who serve the community achieve lifelong financial success. The company offers individual and group insurance and financial solutions tailored to the needs of the educator community. Founded by Educators for Educators^® in 1945, the company is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. For more information, visit horacemann.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240429358567/en/

Michelle Eccles

Public Relations Manager

217-788-5394

michelle.eccles@horacemann.com

Source: Horace Mann Educators Corporation

FAQ

What are the top concerns educators have about teaching today?

Educators' top concerns include student behavior and classroom management, workload and work-life balance, education policy changes, and salary and benefits.

What percentage of educators feel resources for mental health services at their school are insufficient?

More than half of educators surveyed feel that resources for mental health services at their school are insufficient.

What is the purpose of Horace Mann's 'Beyond Grateful: Relax, Rejuvenate, Refresh' campaign?

The campaign aims to recognize and support educators with free fitness and wellness activities, giveaways, and other forms of appreciation.

How many educators participated in the survey?

The survey included insights from a nationally representative group of 1,200 U.S. educators, including teachers, administrators, and support personnel.

When was the survey conducted?

The survey was fielded in April 2024, providing recent data on educators' thoughts and challenges.