The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has transformed teaching-learning processes by enabling personalized instruction, automated assessment, and data-driven decision-making. However, the effectiveness of AI in education largely depends on human mediation, particularly the role of teachers. This study examines humanizing artificial intelligence in education by emphasizing teachers’ emotional intelligence, teacher effectiveness and teacher self-efficacy as essential human competencies that enable meaningful human-AI collaboration. Using a descriptive survey and correlational research design, data were collected from 300 higher secondary school teachers in the Kakching and Thoubal districts of Manipur. Standardized tools were employed to measure emotional intelligence, teacher effectiveness, and teacher self-efficacy. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and both teachers’ effectiveness and self-efficacy. The study highlights that emotionally intelligent, effective, and self-efficacious teachers play a central role in humanizing AI-driven education by ensuring ethical decision-making, emotional support, and meaningful learning experiences.