Future of Work

Education news, analysis, and opinion about the skills students will need for the jobs of the future.
Tue., December 01, 2026, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET
College & Workforce Readiness Webinar What Are the Fastest-Growing Career- and Work-Based Education Programs?
Join us to explore EdWeek Research Center survey data on which areas of CTE are expected to grow the fastest over the next 5 years.
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December 1, 2026
The United States Capitol building as a bookcase filled with red, white, and blue policy books in a Washington DC landscape.
Luca D'Urbino for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness Opinion 21st-Century Skills Were All the Rage. Are They Still Relevant?
An early proponent of these skills explains how the concept of “knowledge” needs to be modernized.
Rick Hess, November 3, 2026
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5 min read
College & Workforce Readiness Quiz Quiz Yourself: How Much Do You Know About the Future of Career Readiness?
Are schools preparing students for tomorrow's workforce? Test your knowledge of the trends and challenges shaping career readiness in K-12.
November 2, 2026
001Lakota Cyber Security
Jennifer Circello (right), a teacher at Lakota West High School, and Andrew Wheatley, the Lakota district's director of career pathways and strategic partnerships, talk with a group of students during a Hacking Club meeting on Oct. 12, 2026, in West Chester Township, Ohio. The district built its cybersecurity program through industry partnerships.
Amanda Rossmann for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness 'Real Industry, Real Adults': 4 Ways to Build Career Partnerships for Students
Lessons from a school district that has forged strong ties with businesses that are battling online hackers.
Jennifer Vilcarino, October 30, 2026
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3 min read
Amanda Rossmann for Education Week
Elsy Prempeh, an employee of Fifth Third Bank, looks over a computer program while mentoring students at Lakota West High School in West Chester Township, Ohio, during Jennifer Circello’s class on Oct. 13, 2026. The district's Cyber Academy leans on industry partners to provide relevant experience for students interested in careers in cybersecurity.
Amanda Rossmann for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness How One District Is Preparing Students for Careers Battling Online Hackers
This cybersecurity program offers students real-world experience and professional mentorship.
Jennifer Vilcarino, October 30, 2026
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9 min read
Businesswoman and businessman HR manager interviewing woman. Candidate female sitting her back to camera, focus on her, close up rear view, interviewers on background. Human resources, hiring concept
iStock/Getty
College & Workforce Readiness Q&A How One Educator Is Prepping Students for the Ultimate Test: The Job Interview
Helping students learn how to perform well in job interviews is a critical skill schools can teach.
Arianna Prothero, November 24, 2025
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3 min read
Close-up of smart girl using small tools to assemble robot by learning from tablet computer, technology concept
E+/Getty
Teaching Teachers Don’t Identify Creativity Equally in All Students. Why That Matters
Teachers have subconscious biases in how they view student creativity. That could result in disadvantages—at school and beyond.
Elizabeth Heubeck, May 12, 2025
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5 min read
AI Artificial Intelligence Blueprint 3D Cube Grid Modern Background Design
DigitalVision Vectors
Mathematics Q&A Want to Prepare Students for Navigating an AI-Driven World? Start in Math Class
Educators can leverage math class to teach students the problem-solving and interpersonal skills they will need.
Arianna Prothero, May 5, 2025
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4 min read
Image shows a multi-tailed arrow hitting the bullseye of a target.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Classroom Technology Opinion This Group is Trying to Teach ‘Digital Literacy.’ Here’s How
How can students avoid getting duped by deepfakes online?
Rick Hess, September 26, 2024
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6 min read
Image shows a multi-tailed arrow hitting the bullseye of a target.
DigitalVision Vectors/Getty
Classroom Technology Opinion Students Are 'Digital Natives,' But Here’s Where They Struggle
The internet is awash with dubious claims. How can educators teach students to distinguish fact from fiction?
Rick Hess, September 24, 2024
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6 min read
A science teacher in elementary or middle school showing a student how to use a microscope.
E+/Getty
College & Workforce Readiness For These Black Women in STEM, Teachers’ Encouragement Went a Long Way
Black women continue to be underrepresented in science, tech, engineering, and math careers.
Lauraine Langreo, February 22, 2024
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3 min read
African-american schoolgirl pupil student using working with microscope at biology chemistry lesson class at school lab. STEM concept.
iStock/Getty
College & Workforce Readiness STEM Jobs Aren’t Students’ First Choice. More Hands-On Experiences Could Help, Experts Say
Lack of exposure to STEM concepts may be contributing to the disconnect, according to the report.
Lauraine Langreo, December 18, 2023
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3 min read
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Canva
Artificial Intelligence Opinion 5 Lessons I’ve Learned From Using AI
Many educators may be nervous to use AI, but the reality is they are most likely using it already.
Peter DeWitt, November 26, 2023
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3 min read
Photo of students working on computer boards.
E+ / Getty
College & Workforce Readiness Students Want STEM Careers, But Think Schools Are Doing a ‘Poor Job’ Preparing Them
Nearly all survey respondents said preparing students for STEM jobs is important.
Lauraine Langreo, July 20, 2023
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3 min read