Abstract

Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm and has revolutionized different sectors, including education, by enriching personalized learning, automating administrative tasks, and providing insights based on data for educators. In teacher education, AI offers significant opportunities for improving pedagogical approaches, assessing student performance, and fostering adaptive learning environments. This paper studies the integration of AI in teacher education, with emphasis on its current applications, benefits, challenges, and future directions. The study examines AI tools such as intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading, virtual teaching assistants, learning analytics, AI-driven curriculum design and AI-based analytics that support teacher training and professional development. Furthermore, it delves into the advantages of AI in fostering personalized learning, enabling real-time feedback, and enhancing administrative efficiency While AI holds promise in making teacher education more efficient and personalized, ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and the need for educators' digital competence pose challenges to its implementation. The research also discusses how AI aligns with European Union frameworks such as DigCompEdu, which emphasize digital competence among educators. (Redecker & Punie, 2017). The findings suggest that AI can significantly enhance teacher education by providing personalized learning experiences, improving assessment methodologies, and supporting decision-making through predictive analytics. (Baker & Inventado, 2014). However, effective AI integration requires strategic planning, investment in digital infrastructure, and continuous professional development for educators. However, the paper also critically assesses the challenges associated with AI integration, including concerns about teacher-student relationships, data privacy, and the potential dehumanization of education. (Selwyn, 2019). Lastly, the paper offers insights into the future prospects of AI in teacher education, emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks, professional development programs for educators, and the role of AI in creating more inclusive and equitable educational environments. By evaluating both the opportunities and challenges, this paper provides a balanced perspective on the evolving role of AI in teacher education and its implications for the future of the profession. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers, educational institutions, and researchers on leveraging AI responsibly in teacher education to maximize its benefits while addressing potential risks.