#United States #CTE #AI Education #Paramus, NJ #Savvas Learning Company

New National Educator Survey Highlights AI and CTE in Education

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, the need to prepare students for future careers has never been more critical. According to the recent 2025 Savvas Educator Index, educators are increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) as essential tools for readying students for life after high school.

This annual survey, conducted by Savvas Learning Company, gathered insights from K-12 teachers and administrators across the United States, reflecting their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing education today.

Rising Confidence in Career-Connected Learning

Bethlam Forsa, the CEO of Savvas Learning Company, emphasizes that educators are eager for innovative resources that foster more relevant and effective learning experiences. The survey's results reveal a strong demand for solutions like AI and CTE that promote vital competencies such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Interestingly, while 66% of educators plan to integrate more AI tools into their teaching next year, there are significant concerns about how effectively students can utilize these resources. Only 5% expressed confidence that their students would use AI responsibly and critically. Additionally, 70% of educators reported a lack of professional development to support the responsible use of AI in educational settings.

CTE Emerges as a Leader

In today's educational discourse, CTE programs are gaining traction as an invaluable framework for workforce readiness. The survey revealed that 63% of educators favor CTE as the optimal path for preparing students for post-secondary success, significantly surpassing the 26% who favor traditional Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Many educators recognize the practical benefits of CTE, with 87% citing job-ready skills and 79% emphasizing early exposure to career paths as key advantages.

Moreover, the appeal of CTE extends into employability, with 77% of educators affirming that CTE enhances job prospects for students after graduation. This trend is increasingly evident among school administrators, where support for CTE-related initiatives is even stronger.

The Role of Dual Enrollment

The survey also underscored the importance of dual enrollment programs, highlighting their potential to bridge the gap between high school and higher education. Respondents noted several benefits, including the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school (88%) and reduced tuition costs (75%). As these programs gain ground, they facilitate a smoother transition to postsecondary education, which aligns with national efforts to introduce career readiness concepts earlier in students' academic journeys.

Addressing Student Motivation

Despite the positive trends, educators are sounding alarms over student motivation levels. 75% of respondents identified lack of motivation as a significant issue for the upcoming academic year, with nearly half ranking it as the top challenge students face. In fact, 64% of high school teachers agree that low motivation negatively impacts students' potential to earn a living wage after graduation.

This pervasive issue highlights the urgency of creating learning experiences connected to students' lives. Educators are turning their attention to AI and CTE offerings as viable solutions to enhance engagement and motivation.

Conclusion

The 2025 Savvas Educator Index presents critical findings that reveal educators’ assessments of technology's role in learning, the importance of CTE, and the pressing need for strategies that can motivate students. As technology and education continue to intersect, the insights from this survey will play a crucial part in shaping strategies that not only prepare students for the future but also promote meaningful engagement in their educational experiences. With AI and CTE at the forefront, educators are leveraging these tools to cultivate a workforce prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges with confidence.