Twenty-First-Century Teacher Competencies and Trends in Teacher Training
This article examines the evolving role of teachers amid rapid technological and social changes. It highlights key 21st-century skills identified and promoted by the OECD, including learning skills (critical thinking, creativity, cooperation, communication), literacy skills (information, media, technology literacy), and life skills (flexibility, leadership, entrepreneurship, sociality, efficiency). The demand for these skills necessitates new competency standards, continuous professional development, and reforms in teacher education to integrate technology and adapt to new learning environments. The article underscores the critical role of teachers in shaping the future workforce and provides recommendations such as supporting new teachers with lighter curricula, guidance programs, access to resources, and opportunities to link theory and practice, as well as encouraging experienced teachers to mentor in both pre-service and in-service training.