As the 24-25 school year comes to a close, it is important to take note of the trends taking hold in education. What is working, what is not, and where might education go in the coming years. This summary helps provide some insight into these trends into what’s actually happening in education along with important questions that will guide your schools in the right direction.
What Worked
In 2025, AI transformed education by automating tasks, offering instant feedback, and personalizing learning, particularly effectively in Australia where teachers saved up to five hours weekly. The focus on student well-being through SEL programs improved students academic performance. Flexible and hybrid learning models, improved post-pandemic, provide continued value and learner flexibility. This hinges on strong technology practices to ensure rigorous learning while online.
Important questions to reflect on:
- How have we successfully leveraged technology this year?
- Did any tools (e.g., AI platforms, instructional apps) reduce teacher workload or enhance learning?
- Are there examples of increased engagement or differentiation due to these tools?
- In what ways did we prioritize student well-being and SEL?
- What programs or strategies had the most visible impact on student behavior, attendance, or engagement?
- How did we measure success in student mental health or social-emotional outcomes?
- How did we center student voice and ownership?
- Were students given opportunities to shape their learning (e.g., choice in projects, self-assessments)?
- What structures supported authentic student leadership?
What Didn’t Work
In 2025, educational technology’s promise was cut short by inadequate teacher training, leading to ineffective usage and lost educational opportunities. Teacher burnout remained high due to workload, lack of support, and adapting to new technologies. Long standing inequities in access to quality education specifically affecting marginalized communities. This only services to widen achievement gaps.
Important questions to reflect on:
- Where did we struggle with technology integration?
- Were teachers given enough time and training to adopt new tools?
- What tech rollouts caused more friction than support?
- How did staff well-being factor into our priorities—and where did we fall short?
- What indicators of burnout (e.g., absenteeism, attrition, morale) emerged?
- Did we provide enough time for planning, collaboration, or decompression?
- Were our communication channels effective and inclusive?
- Did families know where to go for key information?
- Were all families reached equitably, including those needing translation, tech access, or non-digital options?
What’s Next
The future of education is leaning toward a curriculum overhaul prioritizing AI literacy. Experts are urging for instruction in AI concepts, applications, and ethics for the technology-driven future. Institutions must focus on lifelong learning, adaptability, critical thinking, problem-solving, and continuous skill development over knowledge memorization. Enhanced collaboration between education and industry is crucial to align curricula with market needs, providing relevant skills while developing well-rounded, critical thinkers.
Important questions to reflect on:
- What will professional learning look like next year?
- Are we moving toward job-embedded, teacher-led, or coaching-based models?
- How can we make PD more aligned to real instructional needs?
- How do we ensure that belonging is a strategic priority?
- Do students see themselves in the curriculum, classroom visuals, and staff?
- Are there systems in place to monitor belonging and connection?
- What systems (not just programs) do we need to improve?
- Where are we relying on quick fixes rather than building sustainable practices?
- Can we streamline efforts to reduce initiative fatigue and increase impact?
Examine the Trends Yourself
Use these sources to dive deeper into key trends shaping education today:
