<![CDATA[The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought significant changes to various aspects of education, ranging from lesson planning, instructional media development, and evaluation processes to educational administration. Although AI can enhance learning efficiency and effectiveness, its utilization also poses challenges to the teacher's role as an educator—one who does not merely transfer knowledge but also shapes the character, morals, and personality of students. Therefore, strengthening teacher character has become an urgent necessity to ensure that technology use remains aligned with human values in the Society 5.0 era. This study aims to analyze the urgency of having teachers with strong character in the AI era, identify the challenges teachers face during AI-driven educational transformation, and formulate strategies to strengthen teacher character in pursuit of humanistic education. The study employs a qualitative approach using a library research method. Data were obtained primarily from journal articles published, books, and other scholarly documents. Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques involving data reduction, thematic categorization, interpretation, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that AI cannot replace the human dimensions inherent in teachers, such as empathy, serving as a role model, instilling moral values, interpersonal communication, and ethical decision-making. Teachers with strong character can utilize AI wisely as a learning support tool without losing the essence of human-centered education. Strengthening teacher character can be achieved through enhancing AI literacy, reinforcing digital ethics, fostering continuous professional development, cultivating a reflective culture, and integrating character values into every learning process. Thus, the successful implementation of AI in education is determined not only by technological sophistication but also by the quality of teacher character—as teachers are the key agents in building a generation that is knowledgeable, possesses integrity, and demonstrates strong character.]]>
