Summary
The 2025 Educator Confidence Report (ECR) reveals growing teacher optimism as educators report greater confidence in the profession and increasingly see technology and AI as valuable tools for supporting instruction.
HMH’s Educator Confidence Report (ECR) has been amplifying the voices of educators for over a decade, offering a recurring snapshot of what’s impacting education. The 2025 report, conducted in partnership with MarketCast, gives insight from a nationally representative survey of over 1,200 K–12 educators. This year’s findings reflect a hopeful shift: Teacher optimism is growing. Educators are reporting stronger academic progress, renewed confidence, and purposeful and powerful use of technology to support student learning. Let’s take a closer look at what’s fueling this momentum.
Teacher optimism is on the rise
Educators are reporting an increased satisfaction in the profession. The 2025 ECR shows that positive sentiments towards teaching have climbed 10 percentage points from last year, hitting a post-pandemic high. Our Educator Confidence Index (shown below) also reflects this growth, with teachers giving the profession a B-, up from a C+ in 2024. What’s contributing to this improved outlook? Many educators point to the growing role of technology. Eight in ten teachers surveyed believe that technological tools can positively benefit education. Additionally, teachers believe that tailored resources and technology are key factors in transforming teaching and learning.
Technology gives teachers space to do what matters most
Educators agree that technology is helping them to refocus on what matters most—connecting with students and delivering meaningful instruction. According to the 2025 ECR, 78% of surveyed teachers say that technology is giving them more time to engage with students. And 89% believe that technology supports differentiated, personalized learning. By tailoring instruction to student needs, technology helps drive student success and provides teachers with time to build connections with students.
Teachers are finding their rhythm again and seeing more student growth. Technology is playing a role in that recovery.
HMH Senior Vice President of Efficacy Research
AI is valuable to teachers’ work
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a trusted tool in the classroom. Over the past two years, AI usage among educators has grown sixfold. With this surge in usage comes growing confidence. The ECR shows that 79% of surveyed educators feel confident in using generative AI in an instructionally effective way. Teachers are also reporting that AI tools are saving them time, with many gaining back one to five hours each week. Educators are embracing AI and eager for more training to unlock its full potential.
The 2025 Educator Confidence Report highlights that technology and innovation are helping teachers reconnect with their purpose. As optimism grows, so does the opportunity to support and empower teachers with the tools to thrive.
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Key takeaways
- Positive sentiment toward teaching increased 10 percentage points from the previous year, reaching a post-pandemic high.
- Eight in ten teachers surveyed believe technology can have a positive impact on education, and 78% say it gives them more time to connect with students.
- Educator use of AI has increased sixfold over two years, with 79% reporting confidence in using generative AI effectively for instruction.
- Teachers report that AI can save them one to five hours each week, while many educators remain interested in additional training to make the most of these tools.
Download our 11th annual Educator Confidence Report.
