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Walton Gen Z Education > Top Card >Teacher Mattering > 2026-10[UPDATE]

Walton Family Foundation Educator Research

The Walton Family Foundation and Gallup have partnered to study the experiences of U.S. K-12 teachers.

Featured Report

Teaching for Tomorrow: The Mattering Gap Among K-12 Educators

Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation’s latest research, in partnership with The Mattering Institute, explores how K-12 educators experience mattering at work and what helps strengthen their sense of value, purpose and connection within their school communities.

The research examines how everyday experiences with students, colleagues and school leaders shape whether educators feel seen, appreciated and able to make a meaningful contribution. It also explores the relationship between mattering and educators’ professional experiences, including burnout and whether they see a future for themselves in K-12 education.

Download the full report to explore how recognition and support, growth opportunities, and creative practice can help build an environment where educators feel that they matter.

35% of K-12 educators say they matter a great deal at their school.
85% say helping a student through something difficult makes them feel they matter a great deal.
42% of educators who incorporate creative production daily or weekly say they matter a great deal, compared with 22% who never do.
Other Work

Education Insights

Teachers Using AI Say It Frees Up Time for What Matters Most
Education

Teachers Using AI Say It Frees Up Time for What Matters Most

Screens Ubiquitous in Classrooms; Teachers Split on Efficacy
Education

Screens Ubiquitous in Classrooms; Teachers Split on Efficacy

Most Teachers Receive No Formal Guidance on AI Use
Education

Most Teachers Receive No Formal Guidance on AI Use

One in Five K-12 Teachers Struggle Financially
Education

One in Five K-12 Teachers Struggle Financially

Additional Reports

Download Past Walton Family Foundation-Gallup Reports

Walton Family Foundation-Gallup Research

Explore the Research

The Walton Family Foundation and Gallup are systematically capturing attitudes, opinions and experiences among and related to American youth.

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