This chapter surveys how recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping language education and questioning long-standing pedagogies, focusing specifically on the teacher’s role. It looks at current classroom integrations of AI (personalised practice, adaptive feedback, and curriculum-embedded tools across in-person and remote settings), identifying the competencies educators and learners need to use them, not only effectively but also responsibly. Central to this endeavour is a redefinition of the teacher’s role: from bearer of knowledge to tech-savvy curator and mentor who selects, contextualises, and sequences AI-generated materials, monitors individual progress, and provides timely, high-quality feedback. The chapter will explore how this argument extends to professional learning: sustainable adoption requires continuous, practice-embedded development in AI literacy (selection, implementation, evaluation) and in pedagogy that leverages AI to support interaction, collaboration, and authenticity. Illustrative applications include collaborative projects supported by AI, real-time formative assessment, and immersive experiences (e.g. VR/XR) aligned with clear learning objectives. Overall, AI is less a plug-in than a catalyst for redesigning tasks, roles, and assessment. It demands new skillsets to enforce deliberate curricular integration, and ongoing professional development to ensure educational value and equity.