Both the K-12 teaching force and the students they serve are changing dramatically. A new generation is poised to make up the bulk of new talent as the Baby Boomers retire, and today’s teachers are serving many more English learners than ever.
During this forum, EdWeek journalists and experts will discuss the levers K-12 leaders can control, such as scheduling, class sizes, resource allocation, and other factors, to improve teacher recruitment and retention. Join us to discover what teachers say they need to feel supported to stay in classrooms for the long haul.
Attendees will:
- Hear from Gen Z teachers about their expectations, hopes, and fears as they navigate the profession
- See the results of a nationally representative survey of teachers, including our third annual Teacher Morale Index
- Gain insights into teachers of English learners’ needs, and what they want general educators to know, too
- Understand teachers’ frustrations about interacting with parents and how school leaders can help them, and more
First time K-12 Essentials Forum attendee? Learn more about our free virtual forums.
Agenda
Welcome & Introduction
Interactive Session | Is Teacher Morale Higher or Lower?
Industry Perspective
More information coming soon.
Panel Discussion | Gen Z Teachers Take the Reins
Industry Perspective | Rethinking the Gen Z Educator Journey
This session explores how school districts can better attract and retain Gen Z educators by designing better early-career experiences.
We’ll focus on three practical shifts: making the application and hiring process clearer, faster, and more responsive; creating a culture of ongoing feedback and coaching so new educators feel supported as they grow; and sharing ownership of the profession’s future by inviting younger educators into problem-solving, leadership, and storytelling.
Panel Discussion | The Changing Roles and Status of Teachers of English Learners
Interactive Session | Student Behavior: It’s Not Just the Students, It’s the Parents
Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Education Week’s The State of Teaching project is supported in part by grants from the following philanthropic partners:
Charles Butt Foundation
The Joyce Foundation
Gates Foundation
Nellie Mae Education Foundation
The 50-state data collection for The State of Teaching 2026 was made possible through a partnership with:
MCH Strategic Data
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