The education landscape is saturated with promises of technological solutions, yet the most impactful learning still happens through the dedicated work of skilled teachers. Despite the billions flowing into edtech, the fundamental truth remains: human educators are the driving force behind strong educational outcomes. The disparity in resources between the tech sector and the classrooms where real learning occurs is striking, raising critical questions about our priorities.
The Human Element in Education
Effective teaching isn’t about flashy tools or cutting-edge software; it’s about craftsmanship, experience, and a deep understanding of how students learn. A teacher guiding a student through sounding out words, carefully selecting encouragement, and creating an engaging learning environment embodies the core of effective pedagogy. These moments highlight the irreplaceable role of human interaction in fostering genuine understanding.
This is not to say that tech has no place in education. Digital tools can personalize instruction and streamline administrative tasks, but they are supplementary, not foundational. A school in San Francisco successfully uses digital tools for extra practice and rapid feedback, but the most memorable learning experiences still stem from human-led classes and a thoughtfully designed school ecosystem.
The Misplaced Emphasis on Edtech
The current funding landscape reflects a skewed perspective. Between 2023 and 2025 alone, MagicSchoolAI secured $60 million in seed funding, while many schools face debilitating budget cuts. This imbalance highlights a fundamental misallocation of resources. The edtech industry enjoys generous investment rounds despite unproven profitability, while educators struggle with understaffed classrooms and insufficient compensation.
This is further illustrated by the contrast between the well-resourced structure of edtech companies (specialized teams for design, engineering, sales, and customer success) and the solo workload faced by most teachers. A single educator must handle curriculum, data, IT issues, and emotional support – all while often being underpaid and overworked. The reality is that educators do more with less.
Prioritizing Human Capital
The most essential aspect of education remains the daily human interaction between teachers and students. If we are serious about improving educational outcomes, we must shift our focus from overhyped tech solutions to investing in the educators who actually drive learning. Competitive salaries, manageable workloads, and valuable growth opportunities are not luxuries; they are necessities for attracting and retaining talented teachers.
“It isn’t a tech tool that creates the magic of a great learning experience for students. It’s the team of human educators.”
The issue isn’t that edtech lacks value; it’s that the same enthusiasm and urgency applied to schools could yield far more meaningful results. By prioritizing human capital, we can create a sustainable education system where teachers are valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. The true potential for transformation lies not in the next flashy app, but in recognizing and investing in the people who make learning possible.
