12-03-2026

Vice Minister Jonas Petkevičius discussed the challenges posed by the evolving teaching profession, autonomy, and AI at the International Summit in Tallinn

On 8–11 March, Vice Minister Jonas Petkevičius attended the International Summit on the Teaching Profession, held in Tallinn, Estonia. At the Summit, education policymakers, representatives of teachers’ unions, and practicing teachers discussed the changing role of teachers.

This year’s Summit focused on the following three topics: the evolving teaching profession, teacher autonomy, and the role of artificial intelligence in education.

Discussions highlighted that the teaching profession is constantly evolving. Many education systems face teacher shortages, rising expectations for schools, and the need to strengthen the profession’s appeal and sustainability.

It was also emphasized that teachers’ professional autonomy must be accompanied by a strong support system, collegial collaboration, and trust within school communities.

The participants further discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning. While artificial intelligence can assist teachers, for example, in preparing lessons or providing feedback to students, it was stressed that technology should complement, not replace, human connection, which is an essential part of education.

Discussions also covered the importance of ensuring that education policies take into account and address the real needs of teachers, while also creating conditions for the sustainable future development of education systems.

The International Summit on the Teaching Profession is organized by the OECD, Education International, and the Government of the host country. The aim of the Summit is to strengthen dialogue between education policymakers and the teaching community.