Through tensions to identity-based motivations: Exploring teacher professional identity in Artificial Intelligence-enhanced teacher training

This mixed-methods case study explores teacher professional identity (TPI) tensions and motivations for Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in teaching within a Chinese university-level AI-enhanced teacher training programme. Surveys were completed by 216 attendees, followed by in-depth qualitative analysis of 15 selected teachers. The study reveals TPI groupness-individuality, humanity-technology, and continuity-openness tensions. Three conceptual models are introduced: Human Intelligence and AI as Navigator, Collaborator, and Inventor. It underscores the critical role of tailored AI-enhanced teacher training in harmonising educators’ diverse identities and motivations with technological advancements, signalling a strategic approach for effective AI integration in global teacher education. • Explores teacher professional identity (TPI) tensions in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced training. • Examines TPI tension-based motivations to engage with AI. • Introduces models: Human Intelligence and AI as Navigator, Collaborator, Innovator. • Promotes worldwide navigation of TPI with AI. • Provides practical and global implications tailored to three models.