The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into education presents both significant opportunities and challenges for educators. For AI to be effectively and ethically implemented in the educational environment, teachers must possess the necessary competencies and understanding of the ethical implications associated with these technologies. The article examines critical aspects of teacher competence and ethical aspects that must be paid attention to for the successful implementation of AI in education. Using data from a survey conducted among 102 participants, we analyse the distribution of teachers’ qualification levels and their views on ethical challenges, advantages and disadvantages arising from the use of AI in education and teachers’ readiness to use the new technology (opinions on how AI will improve their work, how easy the use of AI, what is the general attitude and intention to use technology in the future and what is the organisational support and individual characteristics of the teachers themselves). The results show that the majority of teachers have the highest qualifications an average level of digital competence and a low level of AI literacy, which indicates the need to improve the skills of teachers in the implementation of AI, the self-assessment by teachers of the ethics of using AI is higher than the assessment of understanding, knowledge and consideration in the practice of ethical norms It is important to plan and develop critical competencies for the effective use of AI in education, ensuring its safe and ethical implementation based on technological, pedagogical training and the formation of ethical literacy.