Beyond Chalk and Talk: Professional Readiness for Ai Integration in Secondary School Classrooms : A Study of Teachers’ Preparedness, Perceptions, and Competencies

Education in the twenty-first century is rapidly evolving, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping teaching, learning, and school administration. The study titled “Beyond Chalk and Talk: Professional Readiness for AI Integration in Secondary School Classrooms” examines secondary school teachers’ preparedness, perceptions, and competencies for AI integration in Trivandrum, Kerala. Using a mixed-method design, quantitative data were collected through the AI Integration Readiness Scale for Teachers (AIIRST) from a stratified sample of CBSE and State Board teachers, complemented by qualitative interviews. Findings reveal positive perceptions toward AI and recognition of its potential to enhance instructional practices; however, actual classroom integration remains limited due to gaps in technical skills, pedagogical application, and institutional support. The study emphasizes the need for sustained, hands-on professional development, collaborative learning opportunities, and structured policy guidance to strengthen teachers’ confidence and competence for meaningful, human-centered AI integration in secondary education.