The accelerated advancement of artificial intelligence in classrooms is creating new challenges for teachers across the country. A national poll conducted by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation found that thousands of teachers are facing job burnout, unrealistic expectations, and little guidance on using AI tools in schools.

According to the study, six out of ten teachers already use artificial intelligence in their daily work. However, most say their schools have not given them clear instructions on how to use it for tutoring, assessments, or developing educational materials.

According to the report, 69% of teachers said they had not received any guidance on how to apply AI in personalized tutoring. In addition, 58% said they did not have guidance to use these tools in grading and academic feedback.

Teacher burnout continues to grow

The research also found a direct relationship between work demands and teachers' emotional exhaustion.

Among those who find school expectations unrealistic, 77% reported frequently feeling exhausted. In contrast, only 21% of those who perceive achievable goals experience that level of burnout.

“Teaching has become more complex, faster than education systems have been able to adapt,” said Stephanie Marken, senior partner at Gallup.

The report also warns that many teachers feel that the academic goals imposed do not correspond with the available resources or the social realities of their students.

45% indicated that school expectations directly collide with the living conditions of students, especially in low-income schools.

School leadership makes a difference

The study concludes that communication from school leaders has a decisive influence on teachers' job satisfaction.

Teachers who rated their school leaders' communication as “excellent” or “very good” showed higher levels of commitment and less emotional exhaustion.

“When school systems provide clear tools and realistic expectations, teachers can better help their students,” said Romy Drucker, education program director at the Walton Family Foundation.

The survey was conducted between February and March 2026 among more than 2,000 K-12 public school teachers and reflects growing concern about teacher retention amid technological changes and work pressure.