K12 Absence Management Resources | Red Rover Blog

2024 in Review: Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead

Written by Red Rover | December 19, 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate a year of progress, innovation, and growth in K-12 education. The incredible dedication of educators, administrators, and staff in creating environments where students thrive was on full display.

A Year in Review

Though the year was not without its struggles, there’s much to celebrate.

  • Schools saw an 11% improvement in filling non-teaching roles compared to last year.1
  • Additionally, two-thirds of teachers received a pay increase, a positive step forward in supporting those at the heart of education.2
  • Red Rover’s annual survey of 10,000 substitute teachers highlighted key trends that school leadership can embrace to improve fill rates: 
    • “Making a difference,” “having lesson plans prepared,” and “friendly office staff” were identified as top motivators for accepting assignments.3
1 Stanford, Libby. 2024. “Schools Have Fewer Teacher Vacancies This Year. But Hiring Is Still Not Easy.” Education Week. October 17, 2024. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/schools-have-fewer-teacher-vacancies-this-year-but-hiring-is-still-not-easy/2024/10.
2 Steiner, Elizabeth D, Ashley Woo, and Sy Doan. 2024. “Larger Pay Increases and Adequate Benefits Could Improve Teacher Retention: Findings from the 2024 State of the American Teacher Survey.” Rand.org. RAND Corporation. November 20, 2024. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1108-13.html.
3 Red Rover. 2024. “10,000 Voices & Growing: An Analysis of Key Trends & Takeaways from the Largest Substitute Teacher Survey Yet.” Red Rover. August 29, 2024. https://www.redroverk12.com/blog/analysis-of-key-trends-from-the-largest-substitute-teacher-survey-yet.

At Red Rover, we’re proud to have supported schools as they worked tirelessly to prioritize student success while navigating an ever-changing landscape, working to deliver solutions that met the moment. Take a look:

Looking Ahead to 2025 Trends

Technology and AI-driven insights will no doubt play a pivotal role in optimizing school operations and enhancing the educational experience.

According to Learning Beyond Borders: Top EdTech Trends Shaping 2025, schools can expect to see exciting developments, including self-driven learning, a stronger emphasis on real-world skill development, and the increased adoption of technologies like blockchain and data analytics. Trends such as microlearning, immersive learning experiences, and AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants are also on the rise.

These advancements promise to make schools more adaptable and effective in addressing future challenges. From leveraging predictive analytics to anticipate staffing needs to using AI to streamline administrative tasks and deliver personalized learning experiences, 2025 will be a transformative year for K-12 education.

New Year, New Possibilities: Modernize Your K-12 Human Capital Management System

At Red Rover, we’re ready to help your school or district make the most of 2025. Whether it’s refining absence management, supporting substitute engagement, or streamlining HR operations, we’re here to empower your district with tools and strategies that work. Together, let’s turn projections into progress and ensure the upcoming school year is your most successful yet! 

Ready to make 2025 the year your school joins the Red Rover revolution? Let’s schedule a time to connect