TEACHER READINESS, EXPERIENCE, AND RESERVATIONS ABOUT AI: THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SCHOOL CULTURE

Konstantinos Zogopoulos, Nikolaos Raptis, Labrina Gioti

Abstract


This research investigated the factors associated with the reservations and ethical dilemmas of primary and secondary school teachers in Greece towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school. In particular, the role of teachers' readiness, experience and training needs was examined, as well as the perceived role of educational leadership and school culture. approach and was based on data from 506 primary and secondary education teachers from all over Greece, which were collected through a structured questionnaire. The analysis included descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and linear regression. The results show that, while teachers recognise the potential of AI, they show a moderate level of readiness and a high level of reservations, mainly related to pedagogical issues, the reliability of results, the protection of personal data and the lack of a clear institutional framework. Linear regression showed that only the readiness, experience and training needs of teachers are a statistically significant predictor of reservations and ethical dilemmas, with a negative relationship. In contrast, educational leadership and school culture did not emerge as direct predictors. In conclusion, the findings highlight that teachers' attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence are mainly shaped by individual and professional factors, while educational leadership functions more as a support framework than as a direct mechanism for forming reservations. Enhancing teacher training and readiness emerges as a key prerequisite for a pedagogically responsible use of AI in schools.

Keywords


Artificial Intelligence in Education, teachers, preparedness and training, ethical dilemmas, educational leadership, school culture

Full Text:

PDF

References


ASEF. (2020). Artificial intelligence and the future of education. ASEF Education Department.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York, NY: Freeman. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1997-08589-000

Bond, M., Khosravi, H., de Laat, M., Bergdahl, N., Negrea, V., Oxley, E., Pham, P., Chong, S. W., & Siemens, G. (2024). A meta-systematic review of artificial intelligence in higher education: A call for increased ethics, collaboration, and rigour. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 21, 1–41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00436-z

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://books.google.ro/books?hl=en&lr=&id=N2zQCgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=19.%09Bryman,+A.+(2016).+Social+Research+Methods+(5th+ed.).+Oxford+University+Press.&ots=dqNAGWL5ui&sig=7dQkIk1VMeljjgVM7o8uG5I_1Iw&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=19.%09Bryman%2C%20A.%20(2016).%20Social%20Research%20Methods%20(5th%20ed.).%20Oxford%20University%20Press.&f=false

Chapman, B. L., Ross, A. S., & Petraki, E. (2025). Teacher readiness for generative AI: A Theory of Planned Behaviour approach. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 13. Retrieved from https://researchprofiles.canberra.edu.au/en/publications/teacher-readiness-for-generative-ai-a-theory-of-planned-behaviour/

Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education (8th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315456539

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.co/books?id=4uB76IC_pOQC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_book_other_versions_r&cad=3#v=onepage&q&f=false

Diliberti, M. K., Lake, R. J., & Weiner, S. R. (2025). More districts are training teachers on artificial intelligence: Findings from the American School District Panel (Research Report No. RR-A956-31). RAND Corporation. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA956-31.html#:~:text=In%20fall%202024%2C%2048%20percent,on%20AI%20in%20fall%202023.

Ertmer, P. A. (1999). Addressing first‐ and second‐order barriers to change: Strategies for technology integration. Educational Technology Research and Development, (4), 47–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299597

Ertmer, P. A., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T. (2010). Teacher technology change: How knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and culture intersect. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(3), 255–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2010.10782551

European Commission. (2022). Ethical Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data in Teaching and Learning for Teachers. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the EU. Retrieved from https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/d81a0d54-5348-11ed-92ed-01aa75ed71a1/language-en

Farooq, Y. (2025). Exploring teachers' psychological readiness for effective AI integration in the classroom. The Critical Review of Social Sciences Studies, 3(3), 351-364. https://doi.org/10.59075/fbwe9b83

Fteiha, M., Al-Rashaida, M., & Ghazal, M. (2025). General and special education teachers’ readiness for artificial intelligence in classrooms. PLOS One, 20. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0331941

Grassi, L. (2024, April 22). Artificial Intelligence in Education. Nature Intelligence. https://natureintelligence.eu/2024/04/artificial-intelligence-in-education/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Gousiou, A., & Grammenos, N. (2023). Informatics and ICT as learning subjects in primary and secondary education in Greece. Anatolian Journal of Education, 8(1), 115–132. https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2023.8115a

Granström, M., & Oppi, P. (2025). Assessing teachers’ readiness and perceived usefulness of AI in education: An Estonian perspective. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1622240. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1622240

Hallinger, P. (2018). Bringing context out of the shadows of educational leadership. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 46(1), 5–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1741143216670652

Ho, C. S. M. (2025). Principals’ ethical leadership in the AI era: A narrative literature review of emerging challenges, strategies, and outcomes. Computers & Education, 243, 105517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2025.105517

Holmes, W., Porayska-Pomsta, K., Holstein, K., Sutherland, E., Baker, T., Buckingham Shum, S., Santos, O. C., Rodrigo, M. T., Cukurova, M., Ibert Bittencourt, I., & Koedinger, K. R. (2021). Ethics of AI in education: Towards a community-wide framework. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 31(3), 504–526. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-021-00239-1

Iddrisu, H. M., & Iddrisu, S. A. (2025). Teacher readiness to use AI tools in the classroom. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 11(3), 494–510. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.1314

Jaksic, N., & Ansaf, B. (2024). Engaging high school teachers in artificial intelligence concepts and applications. ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--43316

Karakose, T. & Tulubas, T. (2025). The Role of Educational Leaders in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Educational Process: International Journal, 16, e2025267. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.16.267

Karakoulas, D., & Theologou, K. (2025). Integrating AI in Educational Leadership: Opportunities and Challenges. In P. Georgogiannis (Ed.), Greek language, artificial intelligence, the role and prospects of education (Proceedings of the 44th International Conference, Patras, 28–29 March 2025, pp. 17–31).

Karanikola, Z., Panagiotopoulos, G., & Zogopoulos, K. (2022). Teachers' skills and learning in the 4th Industrial Revolution. In the Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Open & Distance Education, Athens, 26-28 November 2021.

Leithwood, K., Harris, A., & Hopkins, D. (2020). Seven strong claims about successful school leadership revisited. School Leadership & Management, 40(1), 5–22 https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2019.1596077

Lin, L. (2024). A quarter of U.S. teachers say AI tools do more harm than good in K-12 education. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/05/15/a-quarter-of-u-s-teachers-say-ai-tools-do-more-harm-than-good-in-k-12-education/

McGee, K. (2023, April 18). Texas pauses use of AI grading software after students receive unexpectedly low scores. The Texas Tribune.

McGehee, N. (2024). Breaking Barriers: A Meta-Analysis of Educator Acceptance of AI Technology in Education. Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute.

Miao, F., & Holmes, W. (2023). Guidance for generative AI in education and research. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000386693

OECD (2022). Putting people first in digital transformation: Background paper for the CDEP Ministerial meeting. https://doi.org/10.1787/865f8426-en

OECD (2021). The Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Equity and Inclusion in Education. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 256.

Omidi, M., & Rostami Beyraq, M. (2024). Teachers’ perceptions and attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and evaluation processes. Journal of Cognition, Behavior, Learning. https://doi.org/10.61838/jcbl.1.4.7

Panagiotopoulos, G. A., & Karanikola, A. Z. (2020). Education 4.0 and Teachers: Challenges, Risks and Benefits. European Scientific Journal, 16(34), 108-125. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2020.v16n34p108

Panagiotopoulos, G. (2021). 4th Industrial Revolution: The challenge of teachers managing the new conditions. Athens: Social Polycenter, ADEDY.

Panagiotopoulos, G., Karanikola, Z., & Zogopoulos, K. (2023). Skills in the Contemporary Context: A Research Dialogue. Athens: Grigoris Publications.

Panagopoulou, F. (2025). Artificial intelligence and education: Towards a right to digital literacy? Syntagma Watch.

Poulimenou, S., & Panitsidou, E. (2025). The readiness of trainers to integrate AI systems and applications in education: An empirical survey in Greece. Adult Education Critical Issues, 5(1), 35–51. https://doi.org/10.12681/haea.39378

Luckin, R., Cukurova, M., Kent, C., & du Boulay, B. (2022). Empowering educators to be AI-ready. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100076

Samara, V., & Kotsis, K. (2025). Profile of Greek primary education teachers regarding their attitude towards STEM. International Journal of Professional Development, Learners and Learning. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.30935/ijpdll/15805

Schmitz, M.-L., Antonietti, C., Consoli, T., Gonon, P., Cattaneo, A., & Petko, D. (2025). Enhancing teacher collaboration for technology integration: The impact of transformational leadership. Computers & Education, 234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2025.105331

Selwyn, N. (2022). Education and technology: Key issues and debates (3rd ed.). London: Bloomsbury Academic. Retrieved from https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/education-and-technology-9781350145566/

Strauss, V. (2023, January 16). Why schools are banning ChatGPT. The New York Times.

Taheri, R., Nazemi, N., Pennington, S. E., Clark, J. A., & Dadgostari, F. (2025). Factors influencing educators’ AI adoption: A grounded meta-analysis review. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100464

Tondeur, J., van Braak, J., Ertmer, P. A., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. (2017). Understanding the relationship between teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and technology use in education. Educational Technology Research and Development, 65(3), 555–575. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-016-9482-7

Trust, T., Whalen, J., & Mouza, C. (2023). Editorial: ChatGPT: Challenges, opportunities, and implications for teacher education. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 23(1), 1-23.

UNESCO. (2023). Guidance for generative AI in education and research. UNESCO Publishing. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/guidance-generative-ai-education-and-research

Vincent-Lancrin, S., & van der Vlies, R. (2020). Trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) in education: Promises and challenges (OECD Education Working Paper No. 218). OECD Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/trustworthy-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education_a6c90fa9-en.html

Wagner, L. (2025, July 10). Survey: Most teachers used AI and saved six hours of work a week. The 74. https://www.the74million.org/article/survey-most-teachers-used-ai-and-saved-six-hours-of-work-a-week/

Williamson, B., & Eynon, R. (2020). Historical threads, missing links, and future directions in AI in education. Learning, Media and Technology, 45(3), 223–235. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439884.2020.1798995

Zaman, Q. U., Sama, A., Ur, A., & Bhatti, R. (2025). The role of school leadership in managing challenges of AI, simulations, and virtual labs. Journal of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.63878/jalt1226

Zeng, M., Cheah, K. S. L., & Abdullah, Z. (2025). The influence of school principals’ digital leadership on teachers’ competency in integrating artificial intelligence: A systematic thematic review. Frontiers in Education, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1655967

Zogopoulos, K., Gioti, L., Raptis, N., & Karatzas, A. (2025). Teaching soft skills to students through artificial intelligence. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education 15(1), 23–33. https://doi.org/10.9790/7388-1501012333

Zogopoulos, K., & Gioti, L. (2022). Teacher education and training in the field of the 4th Industrial Revolution. Adult Education Critical Issues, 2(1), 45–66. Retrieved from https://ejournals.epublishing.ekt.gr/index.php/aeci/article/view/29901

Zogopoulos, K., & Karatzas, A. (2025). Artificial Intelligence and Education: Exploring the views of teachers in Greece. Athens: Grigoris Publications.

Zogopoulos, K., & Panagiotopoulos, G. (2025). The implementation of digital transformation in schools: Challenges in the era of the 4th industrial revolution. European Journal of Education Studies, 12(8), 480–500. http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i8.6141

Zormanová, L., & Vavříková, H. (2025). Attitudes of Czech and Polish teachers towards the use of artificial intelligence in schools. International Journal of Research in E-learning, 11(1), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.31261/ijrel.2025.11.1.02




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v13i4.6618

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Konstantinos Zogopoulos, Nikolaos Raptis, Labrina Gioti

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2015-2026. European Journal of Education Studies (ISSN 2501 - 1111) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.


This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei). All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All authors who send their manuscripts to this journal and whose articles are published on this journal retain full copyright of their articles. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).