President warns that education cannot ignore AI transformation; Estonia stresses a measured approach as the ISTP summit tackles cognitive offloading risks and a critical teacher shortage.
Tallinn, Estonia – On the first full day of the International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP), Estonia presented its measured approach to artificial intelligence in education, emphasising systematic thinking and creative learning over rapid technology adoption, while Education International called for wisdom in deciding what AI to adopt – and what to stop.
“We do not yet know precisely how to tame artificial intelligence so that it consistently creates value – in education, or anywhere else,” said President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis in his address at the Opening Ceremony. “But one thing is clear: there is no way back. AI will shape our societies, our labour markets, and our daily lives. Education cannot stand aside and hope the wave passes.”
Estonia’s approach: Humans under evolutionary pressure
In her keynote, ‘The Story of Estonian Education,’ Estonian Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas described Estonia’s approach to integrating AI into schools.
“We’re not rushing into technology,” Kallas said. “We really feel that, because of AI, humans have been put under evolutionary pressure. Knowledge is important, but it’s really about thinking – more systematically and more creatively. These high cognitive skills are important from an earlier age than ever before.”
Kallas reaffirmed Estonia’s support for teachers: “We will need more teachers in the future, not fewer. Teachers are essential to education.”
Global teacher shortage and the “wisdom workers”
Education International General Secretary David Edwards brought stark numbers to the discussions: the world faces a shortage of 44 million teachers. He characterised teachers as “wisdom workers” whose role becomes even more critical in the age of AI.
“In a loneliness epidemic, and with the onslaught of AI, we need to make wise decisions on what we adopt and what we stop,” Edwards said, emphasising the importance of country commitments emerging from the summit.
Balancing AI benefits with cognitive development
OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher said that the data suggested that AI can help less experienced teachers improve their work with students. On the other hand, he warned about students ‘cognitive offloading when using AI in excess. “Learning is always about cognitive struggle and effort – we need students to do the hard work as well.”
School visits and closed sessions begin
Following the Opening Ceremony, delegations from nearly 20 countries visited 9 Estonian schools to observe innovative practices firsthand and will continue visiting schools over the next two days. Closed substantive sessions also began, where ministers, union leaders, and education practitioners discussed AI implementation, teacher autonomy, and professional development strategies.
What’s next
The summit runs through 11 March, with every country set to announce three education commitments.
Media are invited to attend:
- Press conference: 11 March, 12:30-13:00, Kultuurikatel (Creative Hub)
- Closing session with country commitments: 11 March, 14:30-16:00, Kultuurikatel (Creative Hub)
Full programme details available at: istp2026.ee
Livestreams available: istp2026.ee, YouTube, and Facebook
About ISTP 2026
The 16th International Summit on the Teaching Profession brings together education ministers, teachers’ union leaders, and practitioners from nearly 20 top-performing education systems. This year’s theme is “Shifting Gears: Teachers and Learners in the Future Learning Environment.”
ISTP 2026 is organised by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research in cooperation with the OECD, Education International, and the Estonian Educational Personnel Union.