As schools prepare for the upcoming academic year, educators face significant concerns about student conduct, engagement, and institutional finances, according to research conducted by the EdWeek Research Center. The center surveyed more than 1,000 teachers and administrators between April 29 and June 22, asking respondents to identify major challenges anticipated for the 2026-27 school year from a list of 27 options.
Student behavior emerged as the most pressing concern, with 75% of educators identifying it as a major issue, closely followed by student engagement at 70%. The survey found that approximately 37% of educators reported their students’ behavior deteriorated significantly during the previous year, with another 34% noting a slight decline. Educators attributed behavioral changes to multiple factors, including pandemic-related social and academic disruptions, increased screen time affecting attention and emotional regulation, and a broader societal divisiveness that reduces positive behavioral models for students. Looking ahead, 22% expect behavior to worsen substantially in the coming year, with an additional 28% anticipating some deterioration.
Financial pressures represent the sixth most common concern, with 42% of respondents citing budget uncertainty as a major challenge. Educators report that declining enrollment, strained state budgets, inflation, and threats to federal funding have forced difficult decisions including layoffs and school closures. Survey data indicates that 41% of respondents expect at least one school closure in their district within three years, while 54% anticipate teacher layoffs within the next year. The financial constraints have forced schools to eliminate support staff positions and programs designed to address student behavior, well-being, and academic needs, creating a challenging cycle where resource limitations undermine efforts to support students.
Despite these obstacles, a significant majority of educators, 64%, expect their work to become more difficult in the approaching school year. Teachers reported particular strain, with many expressing concerns about insufficient time, inadequate support for classroom management, and the challenge of competing with digital distractions. While educators demonstrated commitment to their students and the profession, many survey responses reflected exhaustion and concern about the sustainability of their roles under current conditions.
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