Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping education, but teachers across Europe remain divided on its benefits, according to the 2025 European Teacher Survey by Sanoma Learning. The annual report, which gathers insights from nearly 7,000 teachers in seven European countries, highlights evolving attitudes toward AI in classrooms—balancing optimism about efficiency with skepticism over learning outcomes.
AI Adoption in the Classroom: Efficiency vs. Educational Impact
While AI integration in schools is progressing, only 14% of teachers believe it will improve student learning outcomes—a decline from previous years. However, 55% acknowledge AI’s potential to boost productivity by automating tasks like quiz generation, lesson planning, and personalized exercises. Oleg Sokolov, Senior Director of Data & AI at Sanoma Learning, explains: “On one hand, we observe a shortage of teachers and reduced financing, leading to larger classrooms. On the other hand, parents and students are demanding more personalization… AI can support teachers with tasks like quiz generation and lesson plan creation. It cannot replace the teacher, but it can certainly save time.” Currently, 30% of European teachers use AI tools, with 18% relying on them weekly. The most common applications include administrative tasks and content customization.
Why Are Teachers Skeptical About AI’s Educational Benefits?
Sokolov suggests two key reasons for the hesitation:
“There are not that many solutions deeply integrated into the method and pedagogy to improve learning outcomes,” Sokolov notes. “Many startups bring cool technological features, but those lacking deep pedagogy won’t necessarily drive significant improvement.”
- Early Adoption Focuses on Efficiency – Teachers are initially drawn to time-saving tools rather than those enhancing pedagogy.
- Lack of Deep Pedagogical Integration – Many AI solutions prioritize technology over proven teaching methods.
“There are not that many solutions deeply integrated into the method and pedagogy to improve learning outcomes,” Sokolov notes. “Many startups bring cool technological features, but those lacking deep pedagogy won’t necessarily drive significant improvement.”
Rising AI Skepticism—With Some Exceptions
Concerns about AI’s risks in education remain high, with 71% of teachers expressing caution. Skepticism has grown in most countries, particularly in Poland, while Wallonia, Belgium, saw a slight decrease in concerns.
Teachers emphasize the need for human oversight in AI-generated content, highlighting the role of educational publishers in ensuring quality. Sanoma Learning reinforces this by ensuring all AI-assisted content is curated by editors and experts.
Teachers emphasize the need for human oversight in AI-generated content, highlighting the role of educational publishers in ensuring quality. Sanoma Learning reinforces this by ensuring all AI-assisted content is curated by editors and experts.
The Future of AI in Education
Despite slow acceptance, Sokolov predicts a shift as teachers gain experience: “Teachers will gradually become more positive towards AI as they gain practice and training. The introduction of trusted AI tools linked to high-quality content may accelerate this process.” As AI continues to evolve, the education sector must balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring technology enhances—rather than replaces—the human touch in teaching.
Conducted by Sanoma Learning, the report captures trends in primary, secondary, and vocational education across Europe. Key findings include challenges with student performance, a preference for mixed print-digital materials, and shifting attitudes toward generative AI.
Conducted by Sanoma Learning, the report captures trends in primary, secondary, and vocational education across Europe. Key findings include challenges with student performance, a preference for mixed print-digital materials, and shifting attitudes toward generative AI.