By Trenton Goble
As school districts across the country move into a well-deserved holiday break, many educators are also reaching the midpoint of what feels like the first full academic year since the pandemic. This school year has been especially demanding: teachers and administrators continue rebuilding routines, addressing learning gaps, and restoring classroom stability after two years of disruption. Educators invested extraordinary time and emotional energy throughout and after the pandemic to ensure students’ needs were met, and while we’ve learned a great deal since spring 2020, many school leaders are still refining how to move forward effectively, meaningfully, and sustainably.
Extended absences from in-person schooling left clear and lasting effects that are more noticeable this year. Teachers are working to welcome students back into rigorous, face-to-face learning environments while still supporting hybrid and remote models. Balancing those responsibilities can be emotionally and logistically exhausting for teachers, students, and families alike. As EdTech providers, we’ve been navigating these same challenges alongside the districts we serve. At Instructure, our priority has been to be part of the solution—not another burden on teachers’ plates. That means listening closely to customers, prioritizing feedback, and delivering support where it truly matters. As we enter a new calendar year, we’re eager to build on that commitment.
What Can We Expect for K-12 Education in 2023?
The evolution of hybrid and remote learning since the pandemic has been significant. EdTech companies now better understand educators’ needs—what works and what does not—and teachers have become more discerning users of technology. While more remote and hybrid learning tools exist today than when the disruption began, schools have grown savvier about selecting the right tools and using them strategically to support instruction and student outcomes.
In 2023, districts are likely to deepen their evaluation of the technology purchased during the pandemic. Rather than continuing to add tools, many districts will focus on streamlining existing solutions and optimizing how they are used. Expect investments to shift toward products that clearly demonstrate positive impacts on student learning and teacher efficiency—quality over quantity.
Two emerging priorities we’re hearing from educators are integration and accessibility. Schools want technology ecosystems that connect seamlessly, provide easy access for students, and deliver actionable insights for teachers. Effective integrations reduce friction for classroom workflows and give teachers the data they need to support individual learners.
We’re at an interesting point for EdTech: many barriers to access have been lowered, creating new opportunities for innovation. The ongoing challenge for schools will be to design instructional models that take advantage of that access. For EdTech vendors, the opportunity lies in focusing on solutions that support student learning, engagement, and wellbeing while providing educators with clear, practical information to meet students’ needs holistically.
Advice for Educators and Administrators in 2023
Teachers and administrators are understandably tired after two relentless years, but the commitment of educational professionals remains strong. As we move into the second half of this academic year, consider these priorities:
- Focus on impact: Many students still need targeted support to catch up. Prioritize interventions and instructional strategies that demonstrate clear results. Technology should amplify your impact, not complicate it—select tools that reliably improve learning outcomes and student engagement.
- Streamline tools and workflows: Reduce tool fragmentation by choosing integrated platforms that simplify access for students and provide teachers with consolidated data. Simpler systems free time for instruction and relationship-building.
- Invest in teacher confidence and development: Effective EdTech adoption depends on ongoing professional development and support. Prioritize training and coaching that help teachers use technology efficiently and confidently.
- Center student wellbeing: As academic recovery continues, remember that engagement and social-emotional health are essential to learning. Choose tools and practices that support whole-child development.
According to Instructure’s 2022 State of Teaching and Learning in K-12 Education, many educators have developed a more positive view of online learning since the pandemic. For those who remain hesitant, the path forward is practical: partner with vendors that prioritize support, clarity, and measurable outcomes. EdTech should reduce burdens and improve results for teachers and students alike.
We look forward to continuing this work with educators, administrators, and students throughout 2023. Our goal is to help elevate student engagement and success, support teachers in their use of technology, and keep improving and learning together.
About the author
Trenton Goble is the VP of K-12 Strategy at Instructure.
This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research institute and news media hub focused on the digital shift in curriculum and instruction.