Archive · 8 Oct 2026
UNESCO Sets Framework to Prepare Teachers for AI
UNESCO created a guide to help teachers understand how to use artificial intelligence in schools.
The guide says teachers need knowledge, skills and values to use AI responsibly.
It describes 15 abilities across five areas, including AI ethics and teaching with AI.
Teachers can build these abilities at three levels: Acquire, Deepen and Create.
The report says only seven countries had teacher AI programmes or frameworks by 2022.
It also warns that AI should not replace teachers or reduce learning to automated tasks.
Teachers should help students use AI safely and thoughtfully.
The goal is to use AI to support curiosity and learning, while protecting people’s rights and relationships.
UNESCO published a global framework outlining the knowledge, skills and values teachers need to use AI responsibly in education.
The framework identifies 15 competencies across five dimensions: human-centred mindset, AI ethics, AI foundations and applications, AI pedagogy, and AI for professional learning.
It groups competency development into three levels: Acquire, Deepen and Create.
The report says that by 2022 only seven countries had developed AI frameworks or programmes for teachers.
The authors warn that unguided AI use could weaken students’ intellectual development and teachers’ relationships with learners.
- Who
- UNESCO, with the framework authored by Fengchun Miao and Mutlu Cukurova.
- What
- A framework defining 15 competencies teachers need to use AI responsibly in education.
- When
- First published on August 8, 2024.
- Where
- The framework is intended as a global reference for education systems.
- Why
- To guide teacher preparation for AI-enabled education and help educators use AI’s benefits while mitigating risks.
Potential benefits of AI in education
Risks of AI in education
AI’s role in teaching and learning
Potential benefits of AI in education
With teacher guidance, AI can support inquiry, intellectual development and learners’ capabilities.
Risks of AI in education
Without appropriate pedagogical guidance, AI may reduce learning to automated tasks and weaken students’ intellectual development.
Effects on teachers and learners
Potential benefits of AI in education
Teachers can use AI while serving as learning designers, facilitators and role models for lifelong learning.
Risks of AI in education
The report cautions that AI could devalue teachers’ role and influence and weaken their relationships with learners.
- Publisher
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- Authors
- Fengchun Miao and Mutlu Cukurova
- First published
- August 8, 2024
- Competencies
- 15 competencies across five dimensions
- Dimensions
- Human-centred mindset; ethics of AI; AI foundations and applications; AI pedagogy; AI for professional learning
- Progression levels
- Acquire, Deepen and Create
- Country programmes by 2022
- Seven countries had developed AI frameworks or programmes for teachers