We are excited to announce the publication of the 2024 US Instructor Survey. This survey, adapted from our longstanding US Faculty Survey, provides a detailed snapshot of over 5,200 faculty members from different disciplines, institution types, ages, and titles across the US at four-year institutions. This new report offers a comprehensive overview of how college instructors across the country are navigating and shaping the current educational landscape.

Overall, we heard that instructors are increasingly adopting innovative, technology-driven teaching methods, while recognizing the critical role libraries play in supporting student success. The growing use of open educational resources (OERs) reflects a commitment to affordable education, though fewer instructors create their own. Additionally, strong institutional support remains essential for effective teaching, particularly IT and with pedagogical practices. Below we share several key findings:

  • While instructors view the library’s most important role as a buyer of scholarly resources needed for teaching and instruction, they also recognize the library’s role in supporting student success. This includes the library’s role in providing an informal learning environment as well as access to technological resources that aid student learning.
  • The majority of instructors are confident in their ability to develop their own courses and lesson plans, and half of instructors would like to adopt new pedagogies or approaches that take advantage of technology. Instructors often use instructional videos and publisher-provided modules to support learning in their classrooms.
  • Half of instructors are using open educational resources (OER) such as textbooks and video lectures in their classes, but less than 20 percent are creating their own. The preference given to using OERs in the classroom aligns with instructors’ commitment to assigning course materials at either low or no cost to the student.
  • The majority of instructors turn to their college or university for assistance with IT-related needs or software support, supporting students with non-curricular needs, and with improving their pedagogical practices. Instructors also regard support in these three areas as very valuable to their teaching and instruction, suggesting continued support is worthwhile.
  • Instructors place notable value on receiving instructional support when examining teaching practices that may introduce bias as well as support in diversifying course materials. While half of instructors currently receive support in diversifying their course materials, 63 percent regard this type of support as highly valuable.

Topical Deep Dives

Earlier this summer, we published two in-depth reports based on key topical areas from this survey cycle. The first report examined how instructors are integrating generative AI tools into their teaching, discussing the current state of familiarity with these tools, and how they are used (if at all) in a classroom setting. The second report delved into instructors’ perceptions of academic freedom, particularly in the context of teaching sensitive or controversial topics, and highlighted the impact on instructional practices.

What’s Next?

The insights gathered from the 2024 US Instructor Survey are essential for stakeholders and decision makers in higher education as they work to support faculty and enhance student success. In 2025, we will launch a survey focused on another aspect of the faculty experience: research.

We invite you to explore the full 2024 US Instructor Survey Report to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of college teaching and to consider how these trends might shape the future of higher education.