For educators and students alike, the classroom is more than just a workspace—it’s a second home. It’s where teachers inspire the next generation, foster creativity, and tackle challenges head-on, while students learn, grow, and thrive. But how can anyone flourish when the very air they breathe may be working against them? This year’s survey of teachers across the U.S. and Canada sheds light on the critical—and often overlooked—issue of classroom air quality.   

Key Findings from the 2024 Survey 

Clean Air as a Right 

This year, a remarkable 99% of educators across North America believe that “Clean indoor air should be a right for all students and school employees,” up from 97.5% last year. In Canada, this sentiment was unanimous, with 100% of respondents agreeing. This overwhelming consensus underscores the critical importance of prioritizing air quality in educational spaces. 

We’ve collected insights from 1,212 teachers, revealing several recurring themes: 

 1. Aging Infrastructure and Maintenance Challenges 

Many schools operate in buildings over 50 years old, struggling with outdated HVAC systems, mold, leaky roofs, and even windows painted shut. These aging infrastructures create a breeding ground for air quality issues. Alarmingly, only 36% of educators rate the indoor air quality in their classroom as good or excellent—a statistic that remains far below the ideal for a thriving educational environment. This highlights significant disparities compared to the North American total, which improved from 26% last year, showing incremental progress even as Canadian figures remain significantly lower at 13%. While this is a step forward in the overall response of North America, it still falls far short of where it should be to foster the best learning environment for both teachers and students. 

 

 2. Health Impacts on Staff and Students 

Teachers and students alike report frequent illnesses, allergies, and respiratory issues, often linked to poor air quality. From sinus infections to exacerbated asthma, the health toll is undeniable. 83% of North American educators are concerned that poor indoor air quality contributes to respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, up from 80% last year. Canadian respondents have greater concerns, with 93% expressing similar fears about the impacts of poor indoor air quality. 

 3. Temperature Control and Ventilation Woes 

Extreme temperature swings and limited airflow are persistent problems, often leading to discomfort and decreased productivity for both teachers and students. These issues can worsen health concerns, while also creating an environment that hinders focus and learning. In many cases, windows don’t open, often painted shut, leaving classrooms stuffy and uncomfortable year-round. Meanwhile, other teachers are told to keep windows open for airflow, even in extreme cold weather. While ventilation through windows is important, it focuses solely on increasing airflow and does little to address the filtration or removal of harmful pollutants, which are critical for truly healthy air. These contrasting challenges highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and effective solutions. Meanwhile, 35% of teachers indicated that no actions have been taken to improve IAQ in their classroom. 

 4. Administrative Apathy 

Teachers frequently feel their concerns are dismissed or ignored, contributing to a perception that air quality is deprioritized by school administrators—an issue that heightens frustration of the inaction. Despite the belief of 97% of educators that schools have a responsibility to provide clean air, only 23% of teacher requests for IAQ improvements were granted. 

 5. Neglected Air Quality and Purifiers 

Air purifiers distributed during the pandemic often lack proper maintenance, with filters not replaced regularly—or at all. This neglect has led many teachers to feel abandoned in their efforts to improve classroom air quality, with some even purchasing and maintaining their own equipment out of necessity.  As a result of administrations reprioritization, 9% of teachers across North America reported buying their own air purifiers, highlighting the personal expense involved in addressing these issues. In Canada, 35% of teachers report having an air purifier in their classroom provided by the school, with 6% purchasing their own. 

See More Survey Results Here:

A Call for Change 

The survey findings emphasize a continued and urgent need for systemic improvements. Teachers across North America are clear: better air quality can significantly enhance both the teaching and learning experience. 

– Proactive Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance of HVAC systems and air purifiers.
– Health-Focused Solutions: Clean air is essential for reducing illness and creating a safe environment for staff and students alike.

Among schools taking action, only 35% reported implementing air purification, and an even smaller 13% introduced IAQ monitors in classrooms—indicating that meaningful progress is still far too rare.  

Shining a Light on Success Stories 

Despite the challenges, some schools stand out as examples of what’s possible. In newer buildings or districts that prioritize air quality, teachers reported satisfaction and confidence in their environments.  

 

How Fellowes Can Help 

At Fellowes, we believe in making the invisible visible. Our groundbreaking IAQ systems work alongside existing HVAC infrastructure to monitor, mitigate, and manage air quality challenges. By equipping schools with advanced solutions, we aim to foster healthier, more productive learning environments. 

Teachers, you deserve classrooms that support your vital work—not hinder it. For administrators, policymakers, and the broader community, the message is clear: clean air matters. Let’s commit to change, one school at a time. 

Ready to take action? Fellowes can build you a customized proposal and budget for any area of your school with just a few inputs.  Together, we can build healthier spaces where teachers and students thrive. Contact us today: Here