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Educators Head Into the New School Year with Measured Optimism–and a Discerning Eye on AI’s Role in the Classroom

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TPT survey of nearly 7,500 educators finds hope alongside a thoughtful, exploratory approach to AI tools

SAN MATEO, Calif., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ask a teacher what August feels like, and most won’t mention lesson plans or test scores. They’ll talk about the bulletin board they finally got right, the read-aloud they’ve been saving all summer and the anticipation that comes with a year that’s still theirs to shape.

That sense of possibility is clear in the results of TPT’s latest State of the Classroom Survey, which polled thousands of educators ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Nearly three-quarters (76.8%) said they’re entering the year feeling optimistic, excited, or motivated, while more than two-thirds (69.9%) report a low or moderate stress load as they gear up for class.

Hopeful, not carefree

But educators’ positivity comes with open eyes. They anticipate a range of challenges this year, with students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs weighing most heavily (a concern shared by 61% of teachers), followed by student engagement and motivation (45%).

Notably, meeting social-emotional needs is a bigger concern than academics for the second year in a row, up 8% from back-to-school 2025—underscoring how educators’ roles are quickly expanding past curriculum into ground once covered predominantly by parents, counselors and support staff.

Yet teachers aren’t shying away from the difficulties of modern education. They’re hopeful while knowing what they’re walking into, as one respondent summed up best: “After 22 years, I still love walking into my classroom in August. I believe in kids, I believe in public education … But I’d be lying if I said I’m not worried. Teaching gets harder, not easier, because the world our students live in gets more complicated—and more of it lands on our desks.”

Using AI, with caution
That same clear-eyed quality shows up in how educators are approaching AI. As the technology becomes a bigger part of daily life, TPT’s survey found 83% of teachers have used AI tools for school-related tasks, primarily to help them create instructional resources (60.2%), brainstorm ideas (42%) and reduce administrative workload (41.5%)—freeing up more time for individualized instruction and developing student relationships.

At the same time, educators are exercising careful judgment about where AI fits:

Human-created materials remain the most trusted resource type. Teachers have some comfort with AI-assisted materials when they are crafted, reviewed and refined by real people, a preference that held steady across experience levels.The most widely-shared opinion among educators is that AI provides benefits but also creates notable challenges for student learning (41%), while the vast majority (94%) are at least somewhat concerned about its overall impact on students’ progress.Educators’ top concerns centered on critical thinking skills (82.5%), cheating (56.5%) and writing skills (50.1%), reflecting the broader sentiment that while teachers view AI as a useful tool for workload management, they’re far more cautious about using it for teaching directly.

Taken together, the picture isn’t of a profession racing to adopt AI, or recoiling from it. It’s of educators doing what they always do: engaging a new tool with curiosity, investigating what will actually help their students and keeping what works.

And despite increasing digital distractions, teachers believe those students are well-equipped for a changing world—when asked what sets this generation of learners apart, they pointed overwhelmingly to their technological savvy (80%), followed by creativity (22%) and adaptability (21%). As they prepare to tackle another year, teachers remain committed to helping every learner thrive.

“It’s encouraging to see teachers express optimism at a moment when much about the job, and the world around them, keeps shifting,” said Kate Jaffe, Senior Marketing Manager at TPT. “This data tells a story of educators who are genuinely excited about what’s new without losing sight of the difficulties that lie ahead. They’re showing up with the same steady judgment, open-mindedness and care that has always defined good teaching.”

Methodology
TPT surveyed users on its platform via email in July 2026. The survey was completed by 7,345 educators, most with over 10 years of experience, including classroom teachers (74%), specialists (11.3%) and administrators (1.5%), representing all U.S. regions and 12% international respondents. The margin of error is +/-3 percentage points.

About TPT
TPT is the world’s largest marketplace of PreK–12 resources, powered by a global community of experienced educators. Trusted by more than 85% of U.S. teachers, millions of educators rely on TPT for engaging materials backed by real classroom insights. Administrators nationwide also use TPT School Express to fund teachers’ access to high-quality supplementary resources, helping bring their curriculum to life. TPT joined the IXL Learning family of brands in 2023, which includes IXL, Rosetta Stone, Dictionary.com, Thesaurus.com, inglés.com, FrenchDictionary.com, Wyzant, Vocabulary.com, ABCya, Education.com, Emmersion, Carson Dellosa Education and Evan-Moor Educational Publishers. Discover how IXL Learning’s products are shaping the future of education by exploring its newsroom.

Press Contact
Eric Bates
IXL Learning
press@ixl.com

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SOURCE IXL Learning

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CNT Foundations Introduces Free Foundation Estimate Programs for Homeowners in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia

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August 24, 2026

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CHARLESTON, S.C., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNT Foundations, a locally owned and operated foundation repair company serving South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, today launched free foundation estimates in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia to help homeowners address issues early and avoid major repair costs.

Foundation problems often develop quietly, and early warning signs can be easy to miss. Cracks, uneven floors, and bowing walls may signal structural concerns that worsen if ignored, leading to headaches caused by disruptive, expensive restoration. Through these complimentary estimates, CNT Foundations provides professional evaluations by trained, certified technicians who use diagnostic technology to identify concerns before they escalate.

The inspection includes a thorough review of the home’s areas of concern, clear identification of existing or potential issues, and personalized recommendations. Homeowners also receive a plain-language report that explains what the team found and why it matters. Appointments are available on flexible schedules, and CNT’s 24/7 call center makes fielding basic inquiries and relaying booking information to the team straightforward at any hour.

CNT Foundations is known for honest assessments and permanent solutions backed by a lifetime warranty. If a foundation is structurally sound and a crack is cosmetic, the company says so. As a local business, CNT tailors solutions to the unique soils and building conditions in the Carolinas and Georgia, and the company proudly hires veterans who bring a mission-focused standard of service to every job. With over 25 years of experience, more than 10,000 completed projects, and a 99% client satisfaction rate, CNT Foundations has become a trusted resource for homeowners across the region.

“We believe in empowering homeowners with knowledge about their foundation’s condition,” said Lisa Wheeler, CNT Foundations. “Our free inspection program removes the barrier to getting expert guidance. Whether your foundation is perfectly sound or needs attention, you’ll get an honest, straightforward assessment, no pressure, no upselling.”

Homeowners interested in scheduling a free foundation inspection can contact CNT Foundations at (843) 577-7268 or visit https://yourfoundationexperts.com/. The company serves Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Augusta, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

About CNT Foundations

CNT Foundations is a locally owned and operated foundation repair company dedicated to providing permanent solutions to structural issues affecting homes and commercial properties. Specializing in foundation repair, crawl space repair, concrete lifting, and basement waterproofing, CNT Foundations combines cutting-edge technology with expert craftsmanship. Every service is backed by a lifetime warranty, and the company maintains a 24/7 call center for customer convenience.

Media Contact

Name: Lisa WheelerEmail: 421226@email4pr.com Phone: (843) 577-7268

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cnt-foundations-introduces-free-foundation-estimate-programs-for-homeowners-in-charleston-greenville-and-columbia-302857645.html

SOURCE CNT Foundations

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Jack Henry Announces Regular Quarterly Dividend

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August 24, 2026

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MONETT, Mo., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: JKHY) today announced its Board of Directors maintained its quarterly cash dividend of $.61 per share. The cash dividend on its common stock, par value $.01 per share, is payable on September 23, 2026, to stockholders of record as of September 7, 2026. Jack Henry has paid consecutive quarterly dividends since 1991, and 2025 marked the 22nd consecutive year of an increasing dividend.

About Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.®
Jack Henry® (Nasdaq: JKHY) is a well-rounded financial technology company that strengthens connections between financial institutions and the people and businesses they serve. We are an S&P 500 company that prioritizes openness, collaboration, and user centricity – offering banks and credit unions a vibrant ecosystem of internally developed modern capabilities as well as the ability to integrate with leading fintechs. For 50 years, Jack Henry has provided technology solutions to enable clients to innovate faster, strategically differentiate, and successfully compete while serving the evolving needs of their accountholders. We empower more than 7,200 clients with people-inspired innovation, personal service, and insight-driven solutions that help reduce the barriers to financial health. Additional information is available at jackhenry.com.

Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company’s most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.” Any forward-looking statement made in this news release speaks only as of the date of the news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

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Bird&Be Named Top Prenatal by Consumer Reports for the Second Time — One of Only Two Brands Who Passed Testing

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August 24, 2026

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In new testing of 17 prenatal vitamins, Consumer Reports found that 15 did not match their labeled nutrient levels. Bird&Be’s Complete Prenatal Pack was ranked as one of the safest choices, and one of only two that met label claims.

TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Consumer Reports recognized Bird&Be as one of the safest and highest quality prenatal vitamins available. The independent nonprofit conducted rigorous testing of 17 over-the-counter prenatals for label accuracy and heavy metals and found that nearly all — 15 of 17 — failed to match levels of key nutrients than their labels claimed, including folic acid which is essential for fetal neural tube development. Bird&Be’s Complete Prenatal Pack was one of just two products that delivered nutrient levels that aligned with their labels, marking the second time Consumer Reports has named Bird&Be as one of its most-recommended prenatals.

What did Consumer Reports find?

15 of 17 prenatals tested had nutrient levels outside of label claims.Half of gummy prenatals contained less folate than labeled, a nutrient critical in early pregnancy.Bird&Be’s Complete Prenatal Pack matched labels across every nutrient tested.

Why does Bird&Be measure up?

Developed by fertility doctors and OB-GYNs with doctor-recommended nutrients for pregnancy, Bird&Be’s best-in-class formulations are made in GMP-certified facilities, lab-tested, licensed by Health Canada — a federal authority that assesses products for safety and quality — and Clean Label Project Certified to meet Prop 65 standards for heavy metals.

What should expecting parents look for in a prenatal?

Prenatal vitamins are a routine part of prenatal care, yet they’re highly un-regulated, so brands aren’t required to verify their contents before reaching shelves. Bird&Be sets a new standard of care, and Consumer Reports’ findings back up years of the brand’s third-party testing and position as one of the safest, most-trusted and recommended prenatals.

“Expecting parents deserve products they can trust. Bird&Be is committed to making supplements that are safe and effective, built on rigorous scientific standards. Consumer Reports identified a gap in oversight for our category, and its consistent recognition of Bird&Be confirms the commitment to high quality that we’ve made to our customers and healthcare providers since day one,” said Samantha Diamond, CEO and Co-Founder of Bird&Be.

Bird&Be is available at birdandbe.com, Amazon, and Ulta.

About Bird&Be

Bird&Be makes best-in-class prenatal products designed to help people take control of their reproductive health. Every formula is developed by fertility doctors and OB-GYNs and made to meet or exceed rigorous safety and quality standards.

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SOURCE Bird&Be

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