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February 16, 2026Smart Learning Environments5 citationsOpen Access

Artificial intelligence in K-12 instruction: the role of teacher professional development

DMDana-Kristin MahNGNele GroßMEMarc Egloffstein

Key Points

  • To explore teachers' perspectives on AI and the necessity for corresponding professional development in K-12 education.
  • Surveyed 532 school teachers on perspectives toward AI-related instructional quality and professional development.
  • Conducted quantitative analyses on the utilization of AI PD opportunities and its association with instructional quality aspects.
  • Performed qualitative analyses to assess teachers' views on AI integration in teaching.
  • AI-related professional development opportunities are currently underutilized.
  • Participation in AI PD is positively linked to improved aspects of instructional quality such as cognitive activation and classroom management.
  • The majority of teachers feel unclear about AI's transformative potential in instruction.

Abstract

Abstract This study examines 532 school teachers’ perspectives on instructional quality, new teaching and learning opportunities, and the necessity for professional development (PD) activities related to artificial intelligence (AI) for K-12 education. Quantitative analyses revealed that AI-related PD opportunities are utilized to a limited extent thus far. However, the frequency of participation and satisfaction with the training are significantly and positively associated with key aspects of instructional quality (cognitive activation, classroom management, individualization, supportive climate). Furthermore, qualitative analyses indicate that the teaching profession is in its early stages of AI integration. The findings suggest that the transformative potential of AI for instruction remains either unclear to practitioners or beyond their current capacity for implementation. These results emphasize the importance of PD in AI for teaching in K-12 schools in the age of AI.

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Cite This Study

Mah et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6992b3939b75e639e9b08590https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-026-00442-4
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