As society continues to evolve, we are noticing disengagement in students and its affect on the way we teach.
On this page, you will learn current and projected trends in education. Topics covered will include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Student Safety and Mental Health
- Hybrid Teaching/Shorter School Week
- Wages/Demand
Artificial Intelligence
AI has changed the way we live and teach! In the next years, we will continue to see professional development training in schools centered around AI. With AI tools becoming increasingly integrated into lesson planning and student assessments, we can observe new changes. Whether you agree or disagree, it seems like AI is here to stay so why not use it to our advantage!
Student Safety
Student safety remains a top priority within schools enhancing security measures, preventing school shootings and addressing issues like drug abuse and mental health amongst students. Addressing students’ mental health remains a top priority for schools, despite staffing shortages and budget constraints. In a couple of years, we will continue to see significant percentages of school budgets allocated to student safety.
Hybrid Teaching
Personally, I was hoping this term was left back in 2020 but it is unlikely to vanish. There has been a trend with teacher shortages due to pay, lack of support and the demand, leading for a higher demand of hiring and specially hybrid teaching. Zoom has made teaching easier but it is not essentially as efficient. Online learning is preferred by some students and it gives parents another form of education. Additionally, with bus driver shortages and the cost of maintaining schools, a proposition of having a 4 day school week has been introduced in some states. Some schools that have taken this approach are seeing achievement rates that exceed how students were performing during a traditional school week.
Wages and Demand
Teaching salaries in San Marcos, Texas, like much of the country, are influenced by many factors such as education level, years of experience and school district. Texas has seen gradual increases in teacher salaries over the past few years in efforts to attract and retain qualified educators. Ultimately, the pace of these increases will likely be influenced by state budgets, local funding and ongoing debates over educational policies.
With the current salary level and the lack of resources and support, we are noticing a shortage of teachers. We are noticing fewer college students enrolling in teaching certification programs and a higher pursue in business degrees which is one of the most profitable fields to work in. With this being said, teaching is much more than a profession; it is an art that demands a passion for the subject and a genuine commitment to inspiring others. While compensation is important, no salary can ever fully capture the fulfillment that comes from shaping minds and making a lasting impact. The dedication required to be an exceptional teacher goes far beyond financial rewards.