Results of 2026 TLCC Survey show improvement in educator perceptions of working and learning conditions
DENVER — The Colorado Department of Education has released the results of the 2026 Teaching and Learning Conditions Colorado (TLCC) survey. Based on responses from more than 42,000 teachers and school-based staff (a 48.1% response rate), participants feel more positive about their school environments and their choices to join the profession compared to the 2024 survey administration.
The TLCC survey takes place every two years and collects perceptions on teaching and learning conditions in their schools. It was open to teachers, education support professionals (including positions such as teacher assistants and paraprofessionals), school leaders and special service providers (such as psychologists and social workers). The results are used to support school, district, and state improvement planning and inform research and policy-making.
Colorado Education Commissioner Dr. Susana Córdova said: “Supporting educators means recognizing what they need to be effective and stay in the profession. Time to plan, collaborate, connect with families, and grow as professionals is essential to educator retention, strong teaching conditions, and improved student success across Colorado.”
This year’s results show steady improvements in several areas compared to prior administrations of the survey, including responses related to time for planning, professional climate and support for students:
- 87% said their schools are good places to work (+1 pct. pt. from 2024, +2 pct. pts. from 2022);
- 90% said their schools are good environments for student learning (+2 pct. pts. from 2024, +1 pct. pt. from 2022); and
- 85% said their schools are led by effective teams (+4 pct. pts. from 2024, +3 pct. pts. from 2022).
The survey included a new question asking about participants’ satisfaction with choosing their profession, and 89% of respondents indicated being satisfied with their choices.
Nevertheless, respondents reported some longstanding challenges remain, even though some areas have better responses than over the past two survey administrations.
- 68% of respondents say they have enough time to engage in professional learning (+3 pct. pts. from 2024, +11 from 2022);
- 64% of educators say they have adequate preparation time (+3 pct. pts. from 2024, +5 pct. pts. from 2022);
- 60% of respondents say they have enough time to effectively implement new initiatives (+7 pct. pts. from 2024, +10 pct. pts. from 2022); and
- 44% of respondents say they are being adequately compensated (-1 pct. pt. from 2024, +8 pct. pts. from 2022).
Additionally, the 2026 TLCC survey asked participants about their experiences working with artificial intelligence in their roles: 54% of all respondents said they were comfortable with its use, 40% of school leaders report having clear guidelines for student use of AI, and 32% of respondents say they felt prepared for future changes involving AI integration in schools.
The results also show that relationships remain central to educator retention. Educators cited connections with colleagues (89%), school leadership (76%) and a shared school mission (74%) as the top reasons they stay in their roles, with compensation playing a smaller role (52%).
Kevin Vick, Colorado Education Association President, said: “This survey confirms what we hear every day: teachers value strong relationships, supportive leadership and meaningful time to do their work well. We must continue investing in these areas so all educators can thrive and students succeed.”
Statewide trend reports and all publicly available state, district, and school-level data - inclusive of prior year data - are available at www.tlccsurvey.org.
