The Future of the Teaching Profession—Trends and Issues in Teaching and Teacher Education

ABSTRACT This special issue examines how the teaching profession is being reshaped by rapid societal, technological, and cultural change. It argues that teaching is shifting from knowledge transmission to fostering adaptive expertise, including critical thinking, creativity, and intercultural competence. Teacher education faces the dual challenge of preparing educators to navigate uncertainty while addressing systemic inequities. The contributions highlight key themes such as teachers as agents of change, inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogy, the role of emerging technologies (e.g., AI and virtual reality), and the importance of research‐informed practice, digital literacy, and well‐being. Studies also explore evolving teacher identities and the status of teaching within institutions. Overall, the issue emphasizes that the future of teaching depends on balancing innovation with enduring human values, and on preparing resilient, reflective professionals.