BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS: THE IRREPLACEABLE ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN CONTEMPORARY EDUCATION

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze national and international scientific evidence on the role of teachers in contemporary education, discussing their importance in light of the increasing incorporation of digital technologies into the school environment. This is a narrative literature review based on scientific articles, books, and institutional documents published primarily between 2020 and 2026, complemented by classical educational references. The results indicate that, although digital technologies enhance pedagogical practices and expand opportunities for innovation, they remain unable to replace essentially human competencies such as pedagogical mediation, empathy, the development of affective bonds, intellectual autonomy, ethical education, and the promotion of citizenship. It is concluded that the future of education depends on a balanced integration between technological innovation and the appreciation of the teaching profession, preserving the teacher as an indispensable agent in human development and knowledge construction.