New Data Flips the Script on Edtech Success: Teacher Buy-In Matters Most

New research finds teacher adoption outweighs technology access as the strongest factor in student engagement and outcomes.

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Clever, the global identity platform powering secure digital learning for over 110,000 schools, today released its Classroom of the Future Report 2025. The annual survey, conducted in partnership with Whiteboard Advisors, captures perspectives from more than 2,500 educators and highlights notable trends shaping the future of teaching and learning.

The findings point to a key truth in a year dominated by debates over artificial intelligence and digital safety: technology alone doesn't transform classrooms—teachers do. Educator confidence, buy-in, and mindset consistently emerged as the decisive factors in whether edtech enhances or hinders student outcomes.

"Even the most advanced tools fall flat without teacher buy-in," said Trish Sparks, CEO of Clever. "This year's report underscores the need to design technology around people. When educators feel supported, edtech becomes a catalyst for student engagement, equity, and success."

Key Findings From the 2025 Report

• Teacher buy-in is the new edtech bottleneck: Teachers who embrace edtech report higher student engagement (up to 70%) and greater optimism about the future, while 72% of reluctant users believe education is on the wrong track.
• AI adoption is cautious but promising: Just 27% of teachers feel confident using AI tools, yet 68% support AI-powered study aids to help students – particularly in tutoring and language learning.
• Student engagement depends on alignment: While 60% of teachers say gamification is the most effective tool for reaching disengaged learners, 53% note that their edtech products currently do not meet students' diverse academic and emotional needs.
• Procurement priorities often miss the mark: Only 20% of school decision-makers consider teacher adoption when selecting edtech, leaving classrooms with tools that don't always fit.
• Cybersecurity remains a blind spot: Despite daily exposure to student data, 1 in 4 educators receives no cybersecurity training, leaving schools vulnerable even as threats rise.

While most decision-makers point to budget considerations or usage data to guide edtech procurement, they risk overlooking a critical factor: teacher buy-in. "Usage data tells you what's being used, but only teachers can tell you why," said Mark Racine, former Chief Information Officer for Boston Public Schools. He recommends incorporating teacher input directly into the procurement process: "Pair their insight with your analytics to make smarter, people-driven edtech decisions."

The report also highlights areas where educators see potential for AI to support student needs—such as tutoring, language learning, and supporting chronically absent students—while emphasizing that training and trust are prerequisites for meaningful adoption.

The 2025 Classroom of the Future Report makes one thing clear: the path to effective edtech isn't just about access, budgets, or features—it's about empowering teachers. As schools weigh new technologies from AI to cybersecurity, the findings offer a roadmap for building classrooms where digital tools truly unlock student potential. For school leaders, policymakers, and edtech providers, the message is simple: prioritize educator voices and buy-in, and the technology will follow.

About Clever
Clever is on a mission to connect every student to a world of learning. More than 77% of U.S. K–12 schools use Clever, the global identity platform for education, to power secure digital learning experiences. And, with Clever's layered security solutions, K–12 schools can protect school access and identities for all staff, teachers, and students. With a secure platform for schools and a network of leading application providers, Clever is committed to advancing education with technology that works for students everywhere. Clever, a Kahoot! company, has an office in San Francisco, CA, but you can visit us at clever.com anytime.

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SOURCE Clever