Survey Reveals Majority of Jewish K-12 Teachers Experience Antisemitism at School

Of the Jewish teachers surveyed, 61.6% reported exposure to antisemitism at work. Nearly half — 45.5% — said they observed anti-Jewish behavior connected to teachers’ unions.

By Shula Rosen

More than six in 10 Jewish K-12 teachers surveyed in the United States said antisemitism has touched their professional lives, either directly or as something they witnessed in their schools, according to data released Thursday by StandWithUs.

The 2025 survey included 584 self-identified Jewish educators working in public and non-Jewish private schools nationwide. Of those, 61.6% reported exposure to antisemitism at work. Nearly half — 45.5% — said they observed anti-Jewish behavior connected to teachers’ unions.

The study also examined anti-bias programs in schools. While 65% of participants said they were required to attend such training, only 10% said the sessions included any material addressing antisemitism.

“As a Jewish public school educator, these findings, while disturbing, do not come as a shock,” said Alyson Brauning, Interim Chair of the National Education Association Jewish Affairs Caucus. “They reveal a serious disconnect between stated commitments to equity and the lived realities of Jewish educators.”

She added that “antisemitism, whether overt or subtle, continues to shape workplace environments in ways that undermine safety, belonging, and professional participation. This data makes clear that meaningful change is long overdue.”

StandWithUs acknowledged the survey used a convenience sample and does not claim to represent all Jewish teachers across the country.

The findings follow a separate November 2025 report by the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, which documented a rise in incidents in public schools since October 7, 2023. Testimony presented to the commission described students encountering neo-Nazi, pro-Hamas, and other extremist narratives through social media and classroom materials.

The commission recommended that state education authorities establish formal curriculum guidance on antisemitism, Jewish identity, history, and genocide education.