The State of the DOE: 7 Key Areas to Watch in 2025

What Does the Department of Education (DOE) Do?

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is a federal agency responsible for establishing national education policies, administering federal funding, and enforcing federal laws regarding education equity and access. In contrast, state-run Departments of Education (DOEs) oversee public education within their respective states, managing curriculum standards, teacher certifications, and local school district operations. While the federal DOE provides overarching guidance and funding, state DOEs implement policies tailored to their unique populations and needs.

Established in 1979, the Department of Education (DOE) was formed to promote educational excellence and ensure equal access for all students across the nation. As the youngest federal agency, its creation marked a pivotal moment in the United States' commitment to addressing educational challenges at a national scale. Over the decades, the DOE has been at the forefront of initiatives to bridge gaps in access, improve educational outcomes, and adapt to the evolving needs of a diverse and dynamic society.

Today, the DOE remains at the helm of shaping the nation's educational future, holding the power to transform lives, bridge divides, and cultivate generations of students ready to tackle the complexities of tomorrow. As it continues to evolve and the persistent spotlight on education’s challenges grows brighter, the DOE must rise to meet new leadership, policies, and educational hurdles head-on. 

In an era defined by rapid societal shifts and technological advancements, education stands as the cornerstone of progress and opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the critical role of education, exposing deep-seated inequities and highlighting urgent issues such as the nationwide teacher shortage.

How Does the DOE Affect Teachers?

Educators, who are the backbone of the system, have faced unprecedented challenges, from adapting to remote learning to navigating the emotional toll of the pandemic. As the DOE navigates these complex realities under the new administration—addressing systemic inequities, mitigating teacher shortages, and embracing innovative learning modalities—its initiatives and responses will have profound and far-reaching implications for students, educators, and the broader community. The stakes have never been higher, and the potential for impactful change has never been greater.

7 Challenges for the DOE in 2025

1. Federal vs. State Control in Education Policy

The balance of power between federal oversight and state control remains a cornerstone issue in American education. Historically, debates over federal mandates like the No Child Left Behind Act and Every Student Succeeds Act have sparked significant controversy, highlighting tensions between national standardization and local autonomy. 

In 2025, expect renewed discussions around standardized testing, curriculum mandates, and funding allocations. Recently, many states are increasingly pushing back against federal requirements they perceive as overly prescriptive. For instance, Texas has resisted adopting the Common Core Standards, preferring its own Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) framework. Meanwhile, California advocates for more state control over funding allocations to address inequities in underserved communities, while states like Tennessee push for policies emphasizing career and technical education to meet workforce demands.

These varied approaches highlight the growing demand for flexibility to address local needs.

2. Emphasis on School Choice and Charter Schools

The school choice movement, which includes vouchers, charter schools, and education savings accounts, could gain further momentum in 2025. Proponents argue that these alternatives provide families with better options and foster healthy competition among schools, increasing quality. Critics, however, warn that such policies may divert resources from public schools, exacerbating existing inequalities. 

Recent studies from the Brookings Institution reveal mixed outcomes: while some charter schools outperform traditional public schools in specific areas, others fail to meet basic accountability standards. Meanwhile, concerns over financial mismanagement in certain charter networks have garnered news coverage–underscoring the need for robust oversight as the DOE navigates this contentious issue. The DOE may revisit policies that expand or limit these options, significantly impacting public school systems nationwide.

3. Addressing Teacher Shortages

The ongoing teacher shortage crisis presents a formidable challenge for the DOE. In 2025, federal initiatives to increase teacher pay, streamline certification processes, and enhance retention efforts will likely be at the forefront. Data from the Learning Policy Institute indicates that low salaries, high workloads, and insufficient professional support are driving educators out of the profession. 

Policymakers may explore creative solutions such as loan forgiveness programs, subsidized housing, and mentorship opportunities to attract and retain talent. Additionally, outlets like Education Week report that some states are experimenting with alternative certification pathways to address urgent staffing needs, raising questions about the long-term effectiveness and quality of such measures.

4. Equity and Accessibility in Education

Issues of equity and accessibility remain a top priority for the DOE, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities. Efforts to expand programs for low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities are likely to intensify. 

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports persistent achievement gaps across racial, socioeconomic, and linguistic lines, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions. Programs like Title I funding and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants may see revisions to better address these disparities. 

Furthermore, the Pew Research Center recently spotlighted the growing digital divide, which disproportionately impacts rural and urban students, emphasizing the critical role of the DOE in bridging these gaps.

5. Technology Integration and Digital Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic has cemented the role of digital learning tools in modern education. In 2025, the DOE may focus on improving internet access in underserved areas, promoting digital literacy, and updating guidelines for remote and hybrid learning. 

According to research from the Pew Research Center, nearly 15% of U.S. households with school-aged children lack reliable internet access, creating significant barriers to educational equity. The DOE’s potential investments in broadband infrastructure and teacher training for technology integration could address these challenges. 

6. Higher Education Affordability and Student Loans

Student loan forgiveness and the rising cost of higher education continue to dominate national conversations. Will the DOE push for more aggressive debt relief measures or explore alternatives like income-based repayment reforms? The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that federal student loan debt now exceeds $1.7 trillion, a staggering figure that places immense financial pressure on borrowers and the economy at large. In response, advocacy groups are calling for systemic reforms, from tuition-free community college proposals to expanded Pell Grant eligibility. 

7. Focus on Vocational Training and Career Readiness

With a rapidly changing job market, vocational training and career readiness programs are gaining traction as viable alternatives to traditional four-year degrees. The DOE may invest in partnerships with industries to better align educational outcomes with workforce demands. 

Data from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that middle-skill jobs requiring specialized training, such as those in healthcare and technology, are projected to grow significantly in the coming decade. Additionally, a recent Wall Street Journal article discusses how apprenticeship programs are helping bridge the gap between education and employment, providing a model that the DOE could expand nationwide.

How Will the DOE Change?

The Department of Education’s policies and initiatives in 2025 will directly impact millions of students, educators, and families, especially as the political landscape shifts following Donald Trump’s recent election and his “Agenda 47” platform. Under this agenda, the DOE’s priorities may reflect a focus on reducing federal involvement in education, promoting school choice through expanded voucher programs, and limiting the influence of teacher unions. 

While addressing key areas—such as teacher shortages, educational equity, digital learning, and higher education affordability—the DOE is likely to emphasize empowering parents, increasing charter school funding, and potentially revisiting Common Core standards or similar federally guided curricula. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders and a commitment to navigating a more decentralized approach to policymaking will be crucial in responding to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

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