Education in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities
As 2024 moves into 2025, educators face a new year with uncertainty. Pandemic-related learning loss and academic inequities remain a hurdle, particularly as COVID relief funding dries up. A second Trump presidency has many educators wondering how proposed policy changes will impact schools and districts. Education is at a crossroads, with pressing issues such as potentially major federal policy changes, evolving AI, global workforce demands, and equity issues weighing heavily on educators’ minds.
Predictions for EdTech in 2025
We asked educators, edtech executives, stakeholders, and experts to share their thoughts and predictions about where they think edtech is headed in 2025. Here’s what they had to say:
Mental Health and Well-being
Francie Alexander, Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research, HMH:
"Mental health is a significant challenge for students. I believe 2025 will be marked by continued progress in educators’ efforts to address this issue. The ‘three Rs’ – Respect, Resiliency, and Responsibility – will be crucial in fostering a supportive environment for our children and youth."
Decentralization and AI
Scott Anderberg, CEO, Moodle:
"In 2025, education in the United States will reflect both the challenges and opportunities of a system in transition. Decentralization will lead to localized innovation, but also create uneven standards. Schools will require tools that reduce administrative complexity, enabling educators to focus on fostering personal connections with students. AI will play a transformative role in this landscape, offering solutions to these pressures."
Clean Energy Education
Michael Arquin, Founder, KidWind:
"Supporting educators and offering training opportunities will be crucial in helping students learn about clean energy. Virtual trainings and in-person workshops will be essential in equipping teachers to bring this content to their students, as the sector continues to grow in the US."
Foundational Literacy
Dr. Carolyn Brown, Chief Academic Officer & Co-Founder, Foundations in Learning, Creator of WordFlight:
"Persistent gaps in adolescents’ foundational literacy skills will continue to hinder their educational, career, and life success. 2025 will be marked by a renewed focus on rethinking how to reach these students and implementing principle-based and tech-enabled practices rooted in learning sciences."
EdTech Evidence and Effectiveness
Auditi Chakravarty, CEO, AERDF:
"In 2025, the education sector will demand more evidence-based solutions. Edtech companies will need to demonstrate greater impact for school-based partners, leading to more innovative and effective tools in our classrooms."
Data Management and Utilization
Winston Chang, Global Public Sector CTO, Snowflake:
"The education sector will shift towards integrated data ecosystems, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the student lifecycle. This will lead to enhanced student recruitment, improved educational outcomes, and stronger alumni connections."
School Security and Safety
Brian Shaw, CEO, Discovery Education:
"Schools must innovate and adapt to stay ahead of evolving threats. Electronic access control systems will continue to strengthen school security, offering tools that enhance safety and efficiency. Wearable and mobile credentials will transform how schools manage access."
Leadership Development
Joseph South, Chief Innovation Officer, ISTE+ASCD:
"2025 will see a growing need for evidence-based leadership development, as educators take on leadership roles earlier in their careers. Providing emerging leaders with research-backed guidance for creating impactful learning experiences will be crucial."
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
Dr. Kara Stern, Director of Education and Engagement, SchoolStatus:
"2025 will be marked by a shift from abstract concepts to concrete actions in addressing chronic absenteeism. Teachers who build strong relationships with students and families will see better attendance and engagement, leading to a focus on meaningful connection-building and two-way school communications."
Special Education
Kate Eberle Walker, CEO, Presence:
"2025 will see technology continue to make strides in evaluating, identifying, and serving students with special needs. Digital tools will connect and cross-reference risks to help educators pinpoint which students need additional resources and attention."
Disciplinary Literacy
Paige Whitlock, Literacy Director, NoRedInk:
"2025 will be the year district leaders embrace a culture of disciplinary literacy, where every teacher, regardless of subject matter, takes ownership of literacy instruction in their discipline. Digital portfolios will become essential in showcasing student writing and facilitating student-led conferences."
Conclusion
The education sector faces numerous challenges in 2025, from pandemic-related learning loss to academic inequities and the need for effective leadership development. However, this uncertainty also presents opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth. As educators and stakeholders, we must prioritize evidence-based solutions, address chronic absenteeism, and foster a culture of disciplinary literacy to ensure a brighter future for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key challenges facing education in 2025?
A: Pandemic-related learning loss, academic inequities, and the need for effective leadership development.
Q: How can educators address chronic absenteeism?
A: By building strong relationships with students and families, using data analytics and AI to identify attendance patterns, and prioritizing meaningful connection-building.
Q: What role will AI play in education in 2025?
A: AI will continue to transform the education landscape, offering solutions to real-world problems and enabling educators to focus on fostering personal connections with students.
Q: How can edtech companies demonstrate impact in 2025?
A: By providing evidence-based solutions, prioritizing student outcomes, and collaborating with educators to create effective tools and resources.
