Ximena Lincolao apologizes for comments on teaching profession

Chilean Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation, Ximena Lincolao, has issued a formal apology to the Colegio de Profesores following controversial remarks regarding the teaching profession. During a podcast appearance, Lincolao suggested that teachers could find opportunities as “vendedores o servicio al cliente” (salespeople or customer service) due to the rise of artificial intelligence.

In a letter addressed to the union leadership, Lincolao stated, “Me expresé mal y entiendo que mis palabras pudieron transmitir una desvalorización de la profesión docente” (I expressed myself poorly and I understand that my words could convey a devaluation of the teaching profession). She clarified that her intention was to highlight how educators' skills, such as critical thinking and empathy, remain vital in the AI era, and that she was referring to roles involving training users of new technologies.

Critics and educators have noted that the terminology used was imprecise and lacked the formal adequacy required for public officials, arguing that terms like “salespeople” do not accurately reflect professional roles such as instructional design or user training.