How Teachers Are Really Feeling This Back-to-School Season

Educators are entering the 2026-27 school year with optimism despite growing pressures in the classroom. A Teachers Pay Teachers survey of more than 7,300 educators found 77% feel optimistic, excited or motivated, yet 61% are concerned about students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs and 30% report high or critical workload-related stress. AI has also become mainstream among educators, with teachers primarily using it to create resources (60%), brainstorm ideas (42%) and handle administrative tasks (41%), although concerns remain about its impact on students’ critical thinking, cheating and writing skills.

The findings point to opportunities for businesses that can support educators, students and families as schools address both academic and emotional needs. Sellers can consider office and school supply retailers, tutoring and learning centers, technology providers, mental health and counseling services, health care providers, financial institutions and family-focused businesses, particularly those that can make teachers’ jobs easier or provide resources that support students.