Walton Family Foundation Educator Research

Teaching for Tomorrow: Educators on the Future of Their Profession

Growing challenges related to student wellbeing, pandemic learning loss and chronic absenteeism are increasing the demands placed on teachers — even as new technologies and better instructional materials are helping teachers save time and strengthen their impact.

To better understand what teachers need to thrive — and, by extension, how to best support student achievement — the Walton Family Foundation has partnered with Gallup for a multiyear study of K-12 educators across the U.S.

This new research reveals that teachers who strongly agree that they are excited about what they teach are more likely to say their students are excited to learn in class and on track to succeed. Prior Walton Family Foundation-Gallup research has shown that students' own engagement is directly affected by their teachers', with many saying they are most excited about learning when their teacher goes out of their way to make the topic exciting or interesting.

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping students' long-term success. Yet, their ability to do so depends on the support they receive at every level — from fellow educators and school administrators to state and national policymakers. This study aims to identify what teachers need to deliver on their core mission: preparing the next generation for great futures.

Teaching for Tomorrow: Educators on the Future of Their Profession

Growing challenges related to student wellbeing, pandemic learning loss and chronic absenteeism are increasing the demands placed on teachers — even as new technologies and better instructional materials are helping teachers save time and strengthen their impact.

To better understand what teachers need to thrive — and, by extension, how to best support student achievement — the Walton Family Foundation has partnered with Gallup for a multiyear study of K-12 educators across the U.S.

This new research reveals that teachers who strongly agree that they are excited about what they teach are more likely to say their students are excited to learn in class and on track to succeed. Prior Walton Family Foundation-Gallup research has shown that students' own engagement is directly affected by their teachers', with many saying they are most excited about learning when their teacher goes out of their way to make the topic exciting or interesting.

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping students' long-term success. Yet, their ability to do so depends on the support they receive at every level — from fellow educators and school administrators to state and national policymakers. This study aims to identify what teachers need to deliver on their core mission: preparing the next generation for great futures.