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Many of the predictions highlighted here consider the promise of AI. Think AI-powered tools that can turn a dense topic into an easily digestible podcast or AI-powered games that hyper-personalize learning. But we'll have to wait and see if AI's promise can also build stronger teacher-student connections, something HMH CEO Jack Lynch names as a priority going forward. Other latest trends worth watching involve coaching, professional learning, and innovations in intervention solutions. Read on for a rundown of 10 current trends in education.
Listen to our Teachers in America podcast for a chat about our ed predictions with host Kailey Rhodes and Classcraftcofounder and HMH’s SVP of product management and strategy, core classroom and integrated solutions Shawn Young.
If you're curious to see how our education predictions panned out in previous years, check out these blogs:
Keep an Eye Out for These Trends in Education in 2025
Prediction #1
Expect EdTech that deepens the teacher-student connection.
Jack Lynch, CEO, HMH
“Expect to see more examples of technology that support the teacher-student connection in the classroom. As we move farther away from the interrupted learning of the COVID-19 pandemic, districts will gain back the benefits from in-person interactions and focus on technology that extends the teacher’s reach and deepens social relationships. Research has shown time and again that meaningful student-teacher relationships are transformative. Schools will move toward a best-of-both-worlds approach where the teacher is the linchpin of learning, and technology is the facilitator.”
Prediction #2
AI will make teaching more human.
Andrew Goldman, EVP, HMH Labs
“Think about all the tasks that eat up a teacher’s day. There’s lesson planning, student feedback, administrative tasks, the list goes on. That doesn’t leave enough time for the one-on-one relationship building that we know impacts student growth. But when GenAI helps with the to-do list, and makes each student’s capabilities more accessible to teachers, then they can personalize instruction like never before. AI may lack the human touch, but it can free up teachers' time, allowing them to give their students individualized support at the same level as a tutor. No wonder HMH’s latest Educator Confidence Report shows educators’ use of generative AI increased fivefold in the past year.”
Prediction #3
Expect coaching to become an integral part of teaching.
Amy Dunkin, GM of Professional Services, HMH
“For years, educator coaching required strenuous whole days of instruction or targeted support for those who weren't keeping up. Now, educator coaching has evolved to become an integral part of effective teaching. Post-Covid, teachers have more kids in their classes with greater needs, and less funding for the interventions they need. Teachers need more support. The perception of coaching will continue to change as the education community takes an all-hands on deck approach to help students recover in math and reading. We will see more teacher coaching in real-time, customized by subject and grade level, with personalized teaching strategies and year-round support to help meet educator goals.”
Prediction #4
We’ll see less EdTech sprawl in the coming year.
Francie Alexander, Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research, HMH
“Teachers are hungry for evidence that EdTech solutions work in classroom settings like theirs. But the influx of COVID-related funds led to the purchase of EdTech tools without adequate infrastructure and added time for implementation. Research shows that teachers use an average of 84 tech tools, with districts averaging 2,591 tools for the 2022–23 school year. With the expiration of ESSER funds, there will be a stronger focus on the efficacy of these tools, which means increased pressure on the EdTech industry to provide proof of effectiveness of their solutions, resulting in less EdTech tool sprawl and greater impact on student outcomes using fewer resources.”
Prediction #5
AI-driven gaming will personalize the learning experience like never before.
Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, an EdTech Venture Capital Firm
“You’ve likely played games that use predefined scripts to manage player progression from level to level. These can get predictable quickly. Not so with AI-powered games. AI can, on the fly, generate new worlds or experiences based on how the gamer is reacting in real time. Look for this type of gaming to be applied to learning to hyper-personalize the experience for students. Since the experiences are created in the moment based on individual behavior patterns and real-time data, no two students will go on the same learning journey, making each lesson relevant and highly motivating.”
Prediction #6
We’ll be able to change media based on learning preferences.
Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, an EdTech Venture Capital Firm
“Let’s say you have to read a dense research paper on renewable energy or genetic engineering, and you’re having a hard time getting through it. What if you could turn it into a podcast where you can listen to two people discussing the topic? In the podcast format, you might be more apt to understand the ideas laid out in the paper. The same goes for all media—there’s this capability for you to interact with the content in whatever way you choose. Tools like Illuminate and NotebookLM are already making this learning possible. This technology can over time identify students’ preferences for audio, video, or text and take them into consideration when offering interventions and support.”
Prediction #7
Expect EdTech solutions aimed at helping students regain their academic footing.
Matthew Mugo Fields, General Manager of Supplemental and Intervention Solutions, HMH
“Our education system is still grappling with the ongoing challenges of incomplete learning and lower student achievement. Expect more EdTech innovations aimed at serving the needs of diverse students in all American schools. We’ll see increased pressure for more purposeful EdTech solutions that are proven-effective and evidence-based to support teachers with interventions aimed at helping students regain their academic footing. These solutions will prioritize the relationship between teacher and student, enabling teachers to serve as motivators and facilitators of student learning—which is critical to student engagement and success.”
Prediction #8
We’ll see renewed efforts to support teachers and leaders.
Suzanne Jimenez, National Director, Innovation and Insights at HMH
“Challenges such as teacher shortages and declining student outcomes require innovative solutions. While AI and virtual learning may revolutionize teaching, they also present their own challenges. We’ve all heard the guidance, “Put your oxygen mask on before helping others.” Education leaders should follow it. They need to make sure their mask is on so they’re able to support teachers in their effort to deliver on the high expectations we have for our students. In 2025, we’ll see a renewed effort to strengthen support for teachers, providing them with high-quality resources, relevant professional learning, whole-child supports for students and families, and expert mentoring or coaching.”
Prediction #9
Expect more efforts to humanize the digital transformation.
Dr. Mary Hemphill, Leadership expert and Center for Model Schools senior fellow
“There’s a lot of emphasis on technology giving teachers back time to build stronger relationships with students. But not every teacher loves technology. Some are even afraid of it. Education leaders must address teacher concerns with empathy and transparency. Just as teachers build relationships with students, so too must ed leaders build relationships with teachers who may feel anxious over the fast pace of AI and tech integration. In the coming years, we’ll see ed leaders put more emphasis on fostering a culture where teachers feel empowered to experiment with technology and embrace mistakes.”
Prediction #10
AI will enhance student outcomes and engagement.
Adam Drummond, Associate Partner, Center for Model Schools
“In 2025, we’ll continue to debate the ethical and moral implications of artificial intelligence. But instead of outright rejecting AI, more teachers will make use of it to create learning experiences that push students to critically analyze and evaluate content. They’ll generate opportunities for students to explore topics they otherwise would not have, or even find solutions to the problems of today. And AI will increasingly tailor educational content to each student’s learning pace, needs, and interests, leveraging data and algorithms to close learning gaps more effectively. As a result, we’ll see enhanced academic outcomes and engagement for K–12 and higher education students.”
More Trends in Education in 2025
Experts say these are the trends in education in 2025 we should keep our eyes on. But trends are continuously changing. Let us know what we've missed. Share with us your ideas for future trends in education to watch. You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or via email at shaped@hmhco.com.
The views expressed in this article are those of the education leaders highlighted and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.
