This report explores the evolving perspectives, needs, and pain points of K-12 teachers related to school design, building upon a previous 2019 study and considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, based on 1,000 teacher surveys and 36 in-depth interviews, highlights the critical role of school design in supporting teacher wellbeing, satisfaction, performance, and ultimately, student outcomes. The report identifies five key lessons from teachers: the importance of teacher wellbeing and the potential of frameworks like the WELL Building Standard to create healthier school environments; the complexities of integrating physical and virtual learning spaces and the need for thoughtful technology integration; the demand for flexibility in teaching environments that goes beyond open-ended solutions and requires strategic affordances like modular furniture; the necessity of personalization and choice for both students and teachers to accommodate diverse needs and preferences; and the recognition of schools as workplaces for teachers, emphasizing the need for supportive spaces beyond the classroom, such as improved breakrooms and dedicated work areas. The study underscores that addressing teacher needs through purposeful design interventions can help recruit and retain educators, alleviate burnout, and create a more positive and effective school experience for everyone.
