Tackling Education’s Big Shifts in 2025

 

Volume 40

As we close out January and step deeper into 2025, I’ve been reflecting on all the moving pieces shaping education and EdTech right now. From a new administration to the ever-changing social media landscape, there’s a lot to unpack.

The instability we’re seeing in social media is like nothing I’ve witnessed before. TikTok’s recent setback and the sudden rise of platforms like Red Note have shown just how quickly audiences can shift. At the same time, platforms like Meta continue to lose trust with their users—most recently by ending fact-checking in the U.S.—leaving brands and educators wondering where to focus their efforts. While Threads holds steady, Twitter/X remains a tricky space, and BlueSky grows in educator engagement but remains small, the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But it’s also a reminder to stay adaptable, listen to our audiences, and be ready to pivot.

On the education front, the new administration’s impact on federal funding is still unclear, and the loss of ESSER funds continues to shape districts' budgets. While the future role of the Department of Education and Office of EdTech remains uncertain, the new administration has been moving quickly in some areas. They have revoked The White House Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence and taken down all federal AI guidelines and resources (you can find the archived versions here). Additionally, drastic changes to immigration policies have led to a concerning rise in students skipping class out of fear of deportation.

At conferences like FETC, I heard educators asking hard questions about what’s next—questions about AI, professional development, and tools that can deliver real impact. AI continues to dominate conversations, particularly as it supports educators’ productivity and professional growth. But there’s still work to be done when it comes to directly impacting student learning outcomes. Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter to read from some educators about their insights from attending FETC.

Staying connected and listening has never been more important. Whether through conferences, social media, or email, authentic engagement is key. Educators value that connection in different ways—some enjoy chatting with exhibitors, while others prefer quietly gathering information to explore later. The takeaway? Visibility matters. While conferences and social platforms may not always deliver the metrics we want, they build awareness, trust, and relationships that aren’t easily quantified.

As we look ahead to the rest of the year, my advice is simple: Stay close to your audience. Understand their challenges and show how your solutions address their most-pressing needs. It’s fine to scenario plan, but don’t let the “what ifs” hold you back from taking bold, meaningful action.

 
 
 

The EdTech Conference Planning Social Media Checklist

Gear up for conference season with our free EdTech Conference Social Media Checklist—your ultimate guide to making the most of every moment.

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EdTech Good News

In a surprise, U.S. colleges saw higher enrollment last fall. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, U.S. college enrollment grew 4.5% (817,000 students) last fall, with a notable 5.5% increase in the freshman class (130,000 students), driven by older first-year students. Community colleges, which saw significant pandemic-era declines, experienced a 7.1% rise in freshman enrollment and a 5.9% overall increase (325,000 students).

Marketing + Education Must Reads

Marketing

  1. Common keyword research mistakes could be holding back your SEO—here’s what to avoid. 

  2. Three hidden buyer signals that could be driving (or costing) your sales. 

  3. New path for SEO: AI is changing search strategy, requiring new approaches to stay visible. 

  4. Organic marketing fuels lasting growth by attracting and engaging audiences without paid ads. 

  5. How small-scale campaigns can drive big results when executed with the right strategy.

[Bonus] Reports worth perusing for trends and benchmarks: 

  1. 2025 Sprout Social Index (Sprout Social)

  2. State of Social Media Report (Meltwater)

Education/EdTech

  1. TeacherQuitTok reveals hard truths about educator burnout and what it takes to better support teachers in today’s classrooms. 

  2. Over 40% of K-12 companies faced layoffs last year, signaling shifts in the education market that leaders need to navigate.

  3. President Trump's recent actions—reversing policies on immigration enforcement in schools, dismissing book ban complaints, and eliminating federal diversity programs—have swiftly introduced a new culture of anxiety in education. 

  4. Leading through uncertainty requires courage—explore strategies to navigate the unseen challenges of educational leadership. 

  5. Post-pandemic enrollment shifts in the 100 largest school districts reveal key trends shaping the future of K-12 education. 

FETC Reflections