Teacher Educator Professionalism in the Age of AI: Navigating the new Landscape of Quality Education

Abstract

This conceptual chapter discusses how requirements for teacher educator professionalism may be impacted by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teacher education. With the aim to continuously facilitate high-quality teacher education, teacher education institutions must evolve in alignment with the rapidly changing landscape of AI and the respective shifting educational needs. Amidst this evolution, we argue that profound AI Literacy and AI-related ethical knowledge constitute two additional and inextricably intertwined knowledge facets of teacher educator professionalism essential for an ethical and effective integration of AI into teaching practices – and thus crucial for high quality teacher education. The paper explores avenues through which these facets of teacher professional competence and quality education can be fostered on the micro, meso and macro levels of institutional education. By consolidating the specific requirements in a framework for teacher educator professionalism in the age of AI, we highlight the necessity for continuous adaptation of teacher education institutions, ongoing multidisciplinary collaboration, and the provision of periodic professional development of educators. Finally, the chapter presents a concrete practical example and future research directions in AI and education with the aim to contribute to the advancement of quality education in the AI era.