President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has emphasised the continuing importance of teachers as Guyana’s education system embraces artificial intelligence, digital tools and other emerging technologies.
In a message marking World Teachers’ Day 2026 on Monday, the President recognised the contribution of educators across the country and said their role extends far beyond delivering academic knowledge.
He said the rapid introduction of smart classrooms, digital learning platforms, online resources and artificial intelligence is changing the way students learn and how educators approach teaching.
While technology is creating new possibilities within the classroom, President Ali said teachers remain essential to ensuring that students receive guidance, encouragement and the human support necessary for their development.
He noted that artificial intelligence can assist educators with a range of tasks, including preparing lessons, producing teaching materials, tailoring instruction to individual students and developing more interactive learning experiences.
However, he stressed that technology cannot replicate the personal qualities required of a good teacher.
According to the President, educators draw on experience, judgement and empathy to identify students’ strengths, understand their difficulties and motivate them to overcome challenges.
He said these human qualities will remain particularly important as technology becomes more deeply embedded in education.
The increasing use of artificial intelligence is also forcing educators to reconsider traditional approaches to evaluating students’ work.
President Ali noted that teachers will increasingly have to determine whether assignments submitted by students genuinely demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and effort.
Rather than treating artificial intelligence as something that should simply be excluded from education, he said students should be taught how to use the technology appropriately and ethically.
“This requires us to rethink not only how we assess learning, but what learning means in an age of artificial intelligence,” the President said.
He said the transition to a technology-driven education environment must also include greater investment in teachers themselves.
Continuous professional development, he noted, will be necessary to ensure educators remain equipped to navigate new technologies and respond effectively to the changing needs of their students.
President Ali reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding professional training and development opportunities for teachers, while providing them with resources to support their work.
He also pointed to measures aimed at improving teachers’ welfare, including enhanced remuneration, allowances, grants for teaching and learning activities, additional training opportunities and initiatives designed to strengthen morale within the profession.
The President said teachers have an important responsibility in preparing young Guyanese not only for employment and further education but also for their role as citizens and future leaders.
He urged educators to continue inspiring students, building their confidence and helping them develop the character and skills needed to contribute to Guyana’s future.
As the country’s classrooms become increasingly digital, President Ali said the transformation of education must therefore remain centred on the people who make learning possible—the teachers.
He extended his appreciation and best wishes to educators throughout Guyana and thanked them for their continued service to the nation’s children.