Across the country, school systems continue to feel the strain of teacher shortages. According to District Administration, many districts are opening the year with hundreds of vacancies, making it harder to deliver consistency for students. At the same time, broader workforce dynamics- especially the evolving expectations of Generation Z- are reshaping not just teaching, but employment overall.
Two Generations Within Gen Z: Pre- and Post-COVID
The latest Voices of Gen Z study from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation shows a striking split inside Gen Z itself.
Gen Z students (ages 13–18) are more optimistic and engaged than ever. In 2025, 56% say they are thriving in life, and 58% feel prepared for their futures—a 12-point jump since 2023.
Gen Z adults (ages 19–28) are struggling. Only 39% say they are thriving, down from 44% in 2024.
This divergence suggests that how schools, districts, and employers talk to and support young people will need nuance. The pandemic shaped the experiences, expectations, and resilience of younger Gen Zers differently than those who entered adulthood during or just after it.
The Changing Meaning of Work
The Gallup study reinforces that engagement is the bridge to thriving. For example:
Students with five or more engaging school experiences- like having teachers who connect content to the real world- are twice as likely to feel prepared for their future as their less-engaged peers.
Yet only 21% of students say most of their teachers do those things consistently.
Translate that to the workforce, and the lesson is clear: jobs- including teaching- must evolve to offer meaning, flexibility, and connection.
For teaching, and I’d say other harder to staff roles, that means experimenting with:
Creative staffing models (e.g., co-teaching, flexible schedules).
Diverse pathways into the profession, so prospects can see and test the role before committing.
Exposure opportunities for high school and college students to experience teaching in real ways.
Other industries are already adapting to these expectations. Education must catch up.
Don’t Overlook Experienced Generations
Just as schools need to innovate for young people, they also need to think creatively about older generations. Retirees and professionals in their 40s through 70s bring valuable skills, perspective, and stability.
Districts might explore encore career pathways, mentorship programs, or flexible part-time roles that make it easier for experienced professionals to enter- or re-enter- the education workforce.
The Future of Work
The workforce of the future will not look like the workforce of the past. Gen Z is sending strong signals about engagement, meaning, and purpose. Teacher shortages are only the tip of the iceberg- schools, districts, and employers alike will need to adapt.
That means building environments where young people see purpose, older workers see opportunity, and all employees- across generations- see that their contributions matter.
