From Sage to Architect: A Framework for Reconstructing Teacher Education in the AI Era

The rapid development of artificial intelligence has led to changes in human production and lifestyle, and artificial intelligence has evolved from an auxiliary tool to the foundation of education, presenting unprecedented challenges to the traditional global education system. Therefore, enabling teachers to master and utilize this intelligent ecosystem has become an urgent priority for policymakers and educators. However, current teacher education programs exhibit a critical lag, often reducing AI integration to a mere technical add-on rather than a catalyst for paradigm shifts. To bridge this gap, this paper critiques the multifaceted impact of AI across macro, meso, and micro levels and proposes the TELA model—an integrative competency framework encompassing Technological Pedagogical Fluency, Ethical Stewardship, Learning Experience Architecture, and Affective Engagement. By redefining the teacher's role from a "Knowledge Sage" to a "Learning Architect," this study provides actionable pathways for reforming curriculum and practicum, offering a blueprint for cultivating future-ready educators in an intelligent age. Keywords: Teacher Education; Artificial Intelligence (AI); AI Literacy; Pedagogical Transformation; Professional Development DOI: 10.7176/JEP/17-2-02 Publication date: February 28 th 2026