Microsoft is proud to welcome more than 43,000 Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts and 900 Microsoft Showcase Schools into our global education empowerment community for the 2025–2026 academic year. The MIE Experts 2025-2026 cohort and this year’s Showcase Schools distinguish themselves through their visionary leadership, embracing AI transformation and fostering AI literacy to reimagine learning.

Across education institutions, educators, and students, AI use is surging. MIE Experts and Showcase Schools play a crucial role in their communities by integrating Microsoft technologies and championing learning. With 70% of skills used in most jobs expected to change by 2030, these educators and schools are at the forefront of preparing students for the future.¹ We’re excited to work alongside these changemakers, and we anticipate a year filled with meaningful connections, shared learning experiences, and transformative impact.

Championed by Microsoft Elevate

The MIE Expert and Showcase School programs are set to benefit from a deeper commitment to people-centered AI innovation through Microsoft Elevate, Microsoft’s initiative to empower educators, nonprofit organizations, and workforce partners with advanced AI capabilities. By connecting the MIE Expert and Showcase School programs to Microsoft Elevate, we are renewing our focus on educators to ensure that individuals remain at the center of progress, while fostering community engagement and driving meaningful impact across global learning communities.

During the launch of Microsoft Elevate, MIE Expert Eleanor Jenkins expressed her enthusiasm about the transformative potential of AI in education:

The future of what students are going to be working in, the careers they’re going to have, don’t exist at the moment…we have to define the way the world works and the way the world is going to change.

Eleanor Jenkins, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert

The benefits of joining these communities are substantial. Educators gain access to exclusive resources, leadership opportunities, and recognition for their impact. Through Microsoft Elevate, participants also receive support in using AI to enhance teaching and learning. Whether through coaching, presenting at conferences, or collaborating across the world, these educators are empowered to lead change, inspire others, and shape the future of education. Together, they form a vibrant community committed to equity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

MIE Experts 2025-2026

MIE Experts are visionary educators who utilize Microsoft tools to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Participation begins with completing professional learning paths which equip educators with future-ready skills and tools to personalize learning. They engage actively in Microsoft technology integration, build connections through both global and local networks, and inspire innovation within their schools and communities. We honor their passion for growth and proudly welcome the 2025–2026 MIE Experts!

MIE Fellows 2025-2026

MIE Fellows are distinguished leaders within the MIE Expert and Showcase School community, personally nominated by Microsoft team members. They have demonstrated excellence in the MIE Expert or Showcase School program—or both—through coaching, mentoring, sharing their knowledge broadly at conferences, and providing rich professional learning to other educators. As part of this program, MIE Fellows take on leadership roles within their region and work closely with the Microsoft Elevate team to offer support and growth within the MIE Expert community.

Microsoft Showcase Schools 2025-2026

Microsoft Showcase Schools serve as trailblazers in educational transformation, leading the way in the integration of AI and future-ready skills. These schools use Microsoft technology and AI solutions to boost student engagement, foster collaboration, and prepare learners for the evolving demands of the modern world. As models of innovation and leadership, they demonstrate how purposeful use of technology can empower students to thrive in an increasingly digital society.

How to join: Become an MIE Expert

If you’re interested in joining this vibrant community, get started today:

• Learn more about the MIE Expert community.
• Complete the AI for Educators learning path through Microsoft Learn.
• Complete the Reading Coach learning module through Microsoft Learn.

How to join: Microsoft Showcase School Program

If you’re a school leader ready to lead transformation, here’s how to get started:

• Learn more about the Microsoft Showcase School program.
• Review the Microsoft Showcase School criteria.
• View the Microsoft Showcase School rubric.

All schools begin on the Incubator path and can apply to become a Showcase School once they meet the criteria.

Elevate education together

As we welcome the 2025–2026 cohort of MIE Experts, MIE Fellows, and Showcase Schools, we celebrate a shared vision: to elevate education through innovation, collaboration, and purpose. These educators and institutions are not just adopting technology—they’re leading transformation, empowering students, and redefining what’s possible in learning. Together, we’re building a global community that uplifts every learner and educator, driving forward a future where education is inclusive, impactful, and inspired.

Stay connected with us

• Join the Microsoft Learn Educator Center.
• Follow Microsoft AI Skills on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Follow Microsoft Education on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Pinterest, and YouTube.
• Bookmark the Microsoft Education Blog and visit frequently for news that inspires and resources that support learning.

¹ AI and the Global Economy: Unlocking Growth and Reshaping Work, LinkedIn, 2025

The post Celebrating the 2025–2026 MIE Experts and Showcase Schools appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Enhance classroom instruction and student engagement

Copilot availability for students 13 and older

Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot availability for students aged 13 and older is coming this summer with enterprise data protection and IT controls. A study from Microsoft Research found that most students demonstrated remarkable curiosity when using AI, asking sophisticated questions that extended beyond their task at hand and led to deeper understanding.

Feedback from schools in our preview emphasized the value of training, clear guidelines, and space for students and educators to learn together. As we move forward, we’re focused on providing tools and support that help schools use AI in ways that work best for their communities. We’re optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead to help students advance their learning and build skills to prepare for success in their future.

Empowering everyone with agents in Copilot Chat

Specialized AI assistants, known as agents, expand the capabilities of generative AI by allowing customization and the ability to work for you or alongside you. Agents can be tailored to support you with expertise in instructional design, unique student preferences, institutional data analysis, and many other tasks. You can build an agent using natural language and additional configuration in Copilot Chat or get started with an agent template.

With Copilot Chat, agents can be accessed and managed directly in the chat and enterprise data protection helps keep your experience safe and secure. Whether you’re building a custom agent or taking advantage of agent templates, there are numerous ways that agents in Copilot Chat can make a positive impact on your day-to-day activities. Get started and discover how agents in Copilot Chat can enhance the way you learn and teach.

New educator features in Reading Coach

Reading Coach, a Microsoft Learning Accelerator, now includes features designed to support educators in guiding and monitoring student reading practice. Educators can create and share custom reading practice, set time-based reading goals, and select passages from the built-in ReadWorks library or allow students to choose from AI-generated stories.

Here’s what’s new:

• Create and share reading experiences – Share your own passages or choose from the robust ReadWorks library to bring high-quality content designed to improve effectiveness and student achievement to your students. They’ll also have the option to explore AI-generated stories that match their interests.
• Encourage independent practice – Encourage students to increase their reading endurance by setting personalized, time-based goals.
• Simplify access – Students can join practice sessions using a link or code, depending on what works best for your classroom.
• Stay connected to progress – Teacher mode offers visibility into how students are engaging with each practice and how their reading is developing over time.
• Use data to guide support – Track time spent reading, passage completion, correct words per minute, and reading accuracy to help inform instruction.

These features are available to educators and students using school-issued Microsoft credentials. Explore the new features and get started today.

Professional learning opportunities

A collection of AI literacy resources

Educators across the world are using AI to streamline lesson planning, personalize instruction, and enhance accessibility. There’s a strong opportunity to boost understanding and use AI more intentionally through professional learning and thoughtful practices. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your AI capabilities, we have free training and resources to help you build AI skills and integrate AI in meaningful and responsible ways.

These resources will help you build confidence in using AI and discover innovative ways to support student learning and save time. Continue growing your expertise by experimenting with AI tools and collaborating with peers to share best practices. Explore our collection of AI skilling resources for you and your students.

Equipping learners with essential AI skills

Over the past few years, companies around the world have seen a paradigm shift in how individuals consume content and attain new skills—changes that will only continue to accelerate and evolve. This shift highlights the need for continuous adaptation to emerging technologies and collaborative efforts to bridge the AI skills gap. Microsoft and Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company, announced a strategic collaboration to help organizations realize the full value of AI through reskilling.

The partnership extends the efforts of both Microsoft and Pearson to provide AI skilling to people across the globe. Whether you, your team, or your students are just getting started or looking to refine your capabilities, discover learning opportunities to support your journey.

Possibilities for innovation

Become an MIE Expert or Showcase School

The opportunity of AI is here, empowering educators and institutions to drive innovation and redefine possibilities in education. We recognize and support leading educators and schools through the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts and Showcase Schools programs. If you’re leading education innovation for your students, this is your opportunity!

Nominations for the 2025-2026 academic year are open until July 31, 2025. Learn how you can empower your entire community—students, educators, and staff—to achieve better outcomes today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Defend against cyberthreats with student SOCs

The Microsoft Student SOC (Security Operations Center) initiative aims to bridge the significant skills gap in the cybersecurity sector and education. This initiative includes the Microsoft Student SOC Toolkit and implementation guide as free resources, along with training and certification to assist leaders at high schools and universities in addressing the cybersecurity challenges faced in education.

Student SOCs are becoming increasingly popular across the US, largely because of the need for an extra set of hands on security teams. With a student SOC, educational institutions can strengthen their cybersecurity defenses while also offering students invaluable hands-on training that equips them with the skills to step confidently into the workforce.

Optimizing AI strategy in higher education

As generative AI is increasingly embraced in higher education, school leaders are rethinking how they teach, conduct research, and support students and staff—driving innovation that’s reshaping the future of higher education. Define your institutional strategy and innovate with confidence by using the Cloud AI Adoption for Higher Education e-book. It offers structured guidance that helps prepare organizations to adopt AI at scale.

To fully harness AI’s potential, it’s important to develop cohesive strategies that align AI adoption with the core mission of your institution, ensuring long-term impact and responsible evolution. Get started with the Cloud AI Adoption for Higher Education e-book to develop an AI strategy and implementation plan.

These are just a few of the latest updates and features available—and we’re not stopping there. Microsoft Education supports educators with tools, features, and resources designed to simplify workflows, enhance student engagement and professional learning, and foster innovation. Explore these tools and updates today—and check back often for more ways to reimagine education with Microsoft.

The post Extend your teaching toolkit with the latest updates from Microsoft Education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

School breaks are a powerful time to dream, explore, and tinker with new ideas, tools, and approaches. What could next year look like with a fresh perspective and a little inspiration?

With Microsoft’s suite of tools—especially the ease and power of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat—you’re well-equipped to refresh your approach, spark creativity, and return with renewed confidence. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing differently—with tools to support your creativity, flexibility, and joy.

Still mid-year where you’re located? These ideas are just as useful when your own break arrives. Whenever your season of rest comes, we hope you’ll take time to reflect and recharge.

Reflect and embrace educator self-care and inspiration

School breaks are a time to slow down. Before diving into anything new, take a moment to reflect on all you’ve accomplished.

• What energized you this year?
• What did your students love?
• What might you want to try differently next time?

Based on these questions, use one of these prompts in Copilot Chat to create a fun memento of your school year:

• Write a rap that summarizes the most valuable lessons I’ve learned this year including [lessons]. Make it fun and inspiring.
• Draft a letter to my future self about what I want to remember from this school year, including [lessons learned, great moments, challenges, and things to do differently next year].

If you have access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, copy and paste these prompts to deepen your reflection:

• Summarize the top themes from my meeting notes this school year so I can reflect on what worked well.
• Create a gratitude journal entry using my Microsoft Planner or OneNote entries from this year.

However you process—journaling, walking, talking with peers—we invite you to pause and celebrate your impact. You’ve earned it.

Play with new ideas

Learning during breaks doesn’t have to be formal. Think of it as a creative sandbox: open-ended, low-stakes, and even fun.

Curious about what’s possible with the tools you already use? Try out Learning Accelerators—free tools included in Microsoft 365 Education that personalize learning, provide real-time coaching, and help students build both foundational and future-ready skills.

Want to experiment with AI? Here are a few prompts to try in Copilot Chat to help you experiment, imagine, and try something new—on your own terms. No grades. No deadlines. Just space to explore.

• Write three “what if?” questions to help me rethink my classroom setup or daily schedule.
• Help me explore a new theme or concept I could center my teaching around next year—something that brings joy and meaning to my [grade level] students.
• Generate three simple ideas I could try next year that make learning more engaging and creative in my [grade level] class. They should be very low-prep and adaptable to different concepts.

Even one small idea can reshape how next year feels. Let Copilot Chat be your creative assistant to help you imagine, test, and create with freedom.

Grow your skills your way

Professional growth can happen anytime—it doesn’t need to wait for a workshop or professional learning day. Whether you’re diving deep or just browsing, Microsoft has flexible, on-demand resources to support your goals. Pick what feels useful now and save the rest for later.

• If you’re helping to shape your organization’s AI strategy or policies, the Microsoft Education AI Toolkit offers guidance and strategies designed for K-20 leaders to support effective and responsible AI integration.
• If you’re looking to introduce AI to students, the AI Classroom Toolkit uses storytelling and activities to help students aged 13–15 understand AI in an engaging, age-appropriate way.
• If you’re an educator looking to collaborate and grow your AI skills, the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert program connects you with a global community of educators leading the way in transforming learning with technology.

Professional learning should feel energizing, not overwhelming. These resources are here to help you explore what’s out there and see where it leads.

Dream big for a new school year

Whether you’re designing new lessons, rethinking your classroom setup, or imagining a more joyful next term, this is a perfect time to plant seeds. Educators who explore new tools in low-stakes environments are often more likely to foster innovative, student-centered classrooms. Your playful experiments today could shape a more joyful, engaging year ahead.

Use this quiet stretch to ask, “what if?” What if grading felt easier? What if students could create in new ways? What if you had tools that worked for you? Let this be your season of curiosity.

With your school or work account, you can build an agent using natural language right in Copilot Chat. Explore and customize agents to perform a variety of tasks, working alongside you to offer suggestions, automate repetitive tasks, and provide insights. Simply open Copilot Chat, select “Create an agent” from the panel on the upper right, and describe what you want the agent to do.

Note: If you’re creating a student-facing agent, be sure to check with your institution’s policies around AI tools and student data first.

Tailor these agent ideas in Copilot Chat to help you lighten your workload and inspire fresh inspiration. Add specific publicly available websites or any relevant SharePoint files to help the agent provide the most accurate information.

• Welcome agent: Build an agent to help eligible students navigate classroom routines, schedules, and where to find key materials during the first week of school. The agent should provide daily reminders, a class schedule, and a guide for finding supplies and materials.
• Reading buddy agent: Develop an agent to guide students through independent reading. The agent should offer book suggestions based on reading level and interests, provide daily reflection prompts, and present vocabulary support relevant to the book students are reading.
• Unit planner agent: Craft an agent that supports curriculum organization by suggesting pacing and supports. The agent should recommend a weekly plan for lessons, propose formative assessments, and include resource links to enhance student learning.
• Individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan accommodation reminder agent: Design an agent that summarizes student accommodations and provides differentiation ideas in lesson planning. The agent should list students with specific accommodations for upcoming lessons or tasks and suggest modifications for tasks based on their needs.
• Morning message agent: Create an agent that generates cheerful, reflective prompts or quotes to start the day. The agent should offer positive greetings, suggest mindfulness activities, and ask reflective questions to foster a positive classroom environment.

Ready to turn your ideas into reality? Use the “Configure” tab to refine your agents’ instructions, add knowledge sources, or adjust starter prompts. Breaks are a great time to experiment, so let your creativity lead the way.

Here’s to you

We see you. We’re grateful for everything you’ve done this year—whether you’re wrapping up your school year or still moving through it. As you rest, reset, and reimagine what’s next, we’re here when you’re ready—with tools, ideas, and possibilities for the year ahead.

The post Recharge and reimagine your next school year appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

AI in education professional learning resources

Integrating AI in education is a journey that takes time, practice, and professional learning. With the right support you can explore new tools, build confidence, and use AI in ways that make a real difference to you and your students. These free resources are here to help you grow, and help your students thrive:

• AI for educators learning path – Discover how to enhance teaching and learning with Microsoft 365 Copilot, along with AI-powered tools in Microsoft Edge browser, Word, PowerPoint, Minecraft Education, and more. You have the option to complete the entire learning path or focus on individual modules based on your goals.
• AI for education – Learn how to use AI for educational purposes with a collection of training and professional learning resources for educators on Microsoft Learn.
• AI skills for educators – Prepare yourself and your students with AI skills for the future with free, ready-to-use AI training, resources, and programs from Microsoft.
• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Navigate AI frameworks, guidelines, and examples quickly with a toolkit tailored for education leaders and educators.

Integrating AI into your teaching can support student learning, streamline routine tasks, and help build digital fluency. Continue developing your knowledge, collaborating with colleagues, and lead the way in responsible AI use in your school.

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat professional learning resources

Copilot Chat is the AI chat experience you can use every day. It’s powered by broad knowledge from the web, built on the latest AI models, and designed to be safe and secure. Enhance teaching and learning with Copilot Chat by personalizing learning, boosting creativity, and simplifying administrative tasks.

Learn how you can maximize the potential of AI in education with these Copilot Chat resources:

• Enhance teaching and learning with Copilot Chat – Learn how to use Copilot Chat, along with basic concepts, modes, features, and strategies to create effective prompts.
• Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat resources for education – Access resources to help you, your colleagues, and your school community get started with Copilot Chat.
• Copilot Scenario Library – Discover how to integrate AI into your daily workflow with day-in-the-life examples tailored to your role in education.

Try a few AI ideas out now and bring fresh collaboration, creativity, and engagement strategies to your classroom later.

Minecraft Education professional learning resources

Use Minecraft Education to engage students in immersive lessons, group projects, build challenges, and e-sports programs. Students can build digital skills while practicing critical thinking and collaboration in creative worlds. Check out these trainings and resources to help bring Minecraft Education to life in your classroom:

• Minecraft Education Teacher Academy – Learn how to incorporate Minecraft Education into your teaching practice no matter your level of experience in game-based learning. Explore free, on-demand content where you can learn alongside others.
• AI Foundations: Teaching AI Literacy – Discover how to integrate Minecraft Education’s AI Foundations lessons and tools into your classroom, equipping students with the skills to understand and use AI responsibly.
• Minecraft Teachers’ Lounge – Connect with more than 10,000 fellow educators in the Minecraft Teachers’ Lounge on Facebook—a vibrant, moderated space to find inspiration, share your wins, and discover creative ways to use Minecraft across subjects.
• Minecraft Lesson Crafter – Try your hand at creating a custom lesson plan for Minecraft Education with this AI-powered lesson generator tool. The tool offers a straightforward way for educators to use generative AI to create practical teaching resources, build confidence with using AI, and introduce Minecraft Education in their classrooms. Get started by signing in with your school-issued Microsoft credentials.

Minecraft Education helps you spark creativity, encourage collaboration, and build essential digital skills—preparing students for success in an evolving world.

Additional professional learning resources for educators

Your passion for teaching shows in everything you do—and Microsoft Education has the tools to help you go even further. Whether you want to learn more about literacy skill building, accessibility in educational environments, or cybersecurity best practices, you’ll find free, ready-to-use resources to support your goals and your students.

Explore resources to strengthen key skills:

• Build reading fluency with Reading Coach – Learn how to use Reading Coach, a free, standalone Learning Accelerator that uses AI to personalize reading content and practice for students. This learning module includes a new unit on the educator features in Reading Coach.
• Accessibility: Build the foundation for inclusive learning – Discover how to create an inclusive learning environment with accessibility principles and the Microsoft tools to support it.
• Build cybersecurity resilience in K-12 classrooms – Understand cyberthreats, implement security best practices, and foster a culture of cybersecurity to protect students and educators.
• Microsoft Learn Educator Center – Explore additional professional learning resources for educators and find programs that help meet your goals.

Take this opportunity to cultivate your passions and expand your professional skills. No matter your focus, Microsoft solutions and resources are designed to help you drive innovation, foster inclusion, and prioritize security.

Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert program

Take your professional growth to the next level by joining the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert program. MIE Experts share a common vision: They inspire students with creative thinking and collaboration, using Microsoft technology across their curriculum and in their classrooms. If this describes your experience, we’re looking for visionaries like you! As a member of the MIE Expert global community of 30,000 educators, you’ll connect with colleagues around the world to share insights, learn from each other, and shape the future of education.

By exploring these professional learning resources now, you can gain new strategies and deeper skills to support your students’ success. As you learn, know that Microsoft is here to support you—helping you navigate change, implement new tools, and stay focused on what matters most: your students. Bookmark this post, share it with your peers, and revisit it anytime as you plan for a fresh start, whether it’s a new term, semester, or school year.

The post Boost your skills with flexible learning for educators appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Join the Microsoft Skills for Social Impact team for informational office hours to start your journey as an MIE Expert or Showcase School. They’ll share more information about each program, and you’ll learn about new opportunities and resources available for educators and schools. These sessions are open to every educator and school leader: Invite your colleagues and register now!

Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert program

MIE Experts share a common vision: They inspire students with creative thinking and collaboration, using Microsoft technology across their curriculum and in their classrooms. If this describes your experience, we’re looking for visionaries like you! As a member of the MIE Expert global community of 30,000 educators, you’ll connect with colleagues around the world to share insights, learn from each other, and shape the future of education.

How to become an MIE Expert

1. Join Microsoft Learn: Start by creating your profile on Microsoft Learn to track your achievements.
2. Complete key learning paths on Microsoft Learn:
   • Microsoft Educator academy
   • AI for educators
   • Build reading fluency with Reading Coach (featuring new features for educators)
   • Build cybersecurity resilience in K-12 classrooms
3. Review the nomination questions: View helpful guidance and access the list of nomination questions (automatic download).
4. Nominate yourself: By July 31, 2025, submit your self-nomination, showcasing your innovative use of Microsoft tools as an educator. Note that only nominations submitted during the nomination period will be considered.

Microsoft Showcase Schools program

If your school is a center of innovative teaching and learning, becoming a Microsoft Showcase School can help you achieve even more. Showcase Schools are models of education innovation that use technology to create learning experiences, building essential skills for the future.

How to become a Showcase School

1. Familiarize yourself with the Showcase School criteria: Review the Showcase School criteria to understand the program’s principles.
2. Assess your school: Use the Showcase School rubric to evaluate your school’s current standing and areas for growth.
3. Prepare your evidence PowerPoint: Collate evidence of your use of Microsoft tools to enhance teaching and learning.
4. Nominate your school: Fill out the self-nomination form by July 31, 2025, demonstrating how your school has integrated technology to enhance education. Note that only nominations submitted during the nomination period will be considered.

Embrace the future of education

Recognition matters—but becoming a Showcase School or MIE Expert goes beyond recognition. You’ll become part of a global movement that redefines education through technology. This is your opportunity to shape education and to prepare students for a world where digital literacy is not just valued—it’s essential.

Microsoft Education equips educators and institutions with the tools to foster innovation, productivity, and equitable learning opportunities. By empowering students and educators to achieve their potential, Microsoft helps build a future where inclusive, effective education is accessible to all. We’re calling for educators and institutions who dare to dream big. Join the community of innovators who are creating the future of education.

Connect with Microsoft

Stay up to date on the latest news and resources from Microsoft Education and Microsoft Skills for Social Impact to support teaching and learning around the world.

• Join the Microsoft Learn Educator Center.
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
• Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
• Bookmark the Microsoft Education Blog and visit frequently for news that inspires and supports learning.

From simplifying operations to fostering meaningful engagement and driving innovation, Microsoft provides education institutions with tools and resources to excel in a competitive, digital-first world. Learn how you can empower your entire community—students, educators, and staff—to achieve better outcomes today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.

The post Educators of the future: Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts and Showcase Schools appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Join us in celebrating these everyday heroes who inspire, guide, and uplift learners everywhere. We invite you to watch this special video as our way of saying thank you and to shine a light on educators who make a difference each day. Let’s take a moment to honor and share our gratitude to all educators during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Recognizing everyday moments

Education is more than just instruction—it’s the thousands of small, meaningful interactions that shape a student’s journey. From a reassuring word to a well-timed nudge of encouragement, these everyday moments, often overlooked, are where learning truly takes root.

Teaching is also about fostering curiosity, nurturing confidence, and creating an environment where students can thrive. Every role within a school community—from educators and librarians to school counselors and special education paraprofessionals—plays an essential part in shaping the educational experience. For Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, we celebrate and thank all of you by enshrining the everyday moments that make a difference.

Academic moments that inspire growth and discovery

As educators, you bring knowledge to life in ways that engage and inspire students. Whether it’s through hands-on science experiments, interactive storytelling, or creative arts, moments like these foster a lifelong love of learning.

• Encouraging exploration: Classroom educators, you ignite curiosity through creative and engaging activities, making abstract concepts come to life for students.
• Igniting a love for reading: Literacy champions and multilingual educators, you help students discover the power of words and language, opening doors to new worlds and perspectives.
• Overcoming challenges: Special education professionals and interventionists, you empower students to harness their unique strengths and succeed in learning.
• Fostering creativity: Music, art, and theater educators, you encourage self-expression and confidence, helping students develop their creative voices.
• Inspiring innovation: Technology and STEM educators, you spark problem-solving skills and creativity, preparing students to think critically and innovate in a digital world.

As you continue to foster growth and discovery, we’re here to support your mission. Discover how technology can amplify your classroom experience with training, tools, and resources from Microsoft Education.

Lessons that last a lifetime

The impact you have extends far beyond academics. Educators, school leaders, and staff create environments like these where students feel safe, valued, and prepared for life’s challenges, often in moments that are unexpected but lasting.

• Teaching altruism: School counselors and social workers, you guide students through moments of compassion, helping them understand that caring for others, especially in times of need, creates lifelong bonds and empathy.
• Instilling perseverance: Career and technical education (CTE) instructors, you help students face setbacks and turn failures into valuable life lessons, teaching them that success is built from resilience, preparation, and gaining skills for the future.
• Encouraging curiosity: Librarians and media specialists, you help students navigate unexpected journeys of discovery. Whether it’s a book they stumble upon or a question they didn’t know they had, you show them that learning can be spontaneous, joyful, and lifelong.
• Supporting health and well-being: School nurses and nutrition staff, you offer comfort and care, from easing a scraped knee to providing nourishment, teaching students that well-being is integral to their growth. You remind students that being cared for is just as important as learning.
• Building teamwork and resilience: Physical education educators, you teach far more than sports. Through teamwork, effort, and fair play, students learn how to bounce back from loss, celebrate others, and show up for themselves and their peers.
• Empowering digital learning: IT and tech professionals, you ensure that technology runs efficiently and securely, enabling students and educators to use digital tools for learning and growth. Your expertise fosters innovation and helps prepare students for the future.
• Leading with vision and heart: Principals, department heads, and superintendents, you shape the culture and direction of the entire school community. Your leadership helps create environments where academic excellence and personal growth thrive.
• Ensuring a clean and welcoming environment: Custodians and maintenance technicians, your dedication to maintaining the physical space allows students and educators to focus on learning. You teach us the importance of care, attention to detail, and pride in our surroundings.

A big thank you to all the educators and school staff who go above and beyond, creating moments that last a lifetime. You’re shaping futures in ways big and small, and we’re honored to support you in your mission. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week—you’re making the world a better place, one moment at a time!

Every day, you lay the foundation for lifelong learning. We’re committed to providing ongoing support to help you nurture students in all aspects of their development. Explore our curated collection of resources—quick start guides, infographics, and research studies—designed to empower the education community.

To every educator, regardless of role: Your passion, patience, and unwavering dedication enshrine the everyday moments that make a lasting difference in the lives of your students and the future of our communities. Your efforts may not always be seen, but they’re often felt. During Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, and throughout the year, we celebrate and honor you.

From all of us at Microsoft Education—thank you for all that you do.

The post Enshrine the everyday: Appreciating the lasting impact of educators appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

There’s a strong opportunity to boost understanding and use AI more intentionally through professional learning and thoughtful practices. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your AI capabilities, we have free training and resources to help you build AI skills and integrate AI in meaningful and responsible ways. Get started by exploring our curated list of resources to help you and your students develop AI literacy skills.

Develop your AI literacy with professional learning

To support meaningful AI integration in education, it’s important to engage in professional development opportunities that build foundational knowledge. Explore these free learning resources designed to deepen your expertise and give you the tools to incorporate AI into your classroom:

• AI for educators learning path – Use this foundational training on Microsoft Learn to enhance your AI literacy and explore how to integrate AI into your classroom.
• AI skills for educators – Jump-start your AI skilling through free training courses and programs like the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert global professional learning community.
• AI for education resources and learning opportunities – Discover resources and courses on how to use AI for education with Microsoft.
• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Access a collection of AI resources, research, and best practices for education leaders to support AI adoption in schools.

By engaging with these resources, you’ll build confidence in using AI and discover innovative ways to support student learning and save time. Continue growing your expertise by experimenting with AI tools and collaborating with peers to share best practices.

Grow your skillset with the Microsoft AI Skills Fest

Join the Microsoft AI Skills Fest to build your skills and stay ahead. No matter your role in education, the AI Skills Fest offers experiences tailored to your needs. Engage in deep dives, experiential content, hackathons, and practical sessions that will enhance your AI skills over 50 days of discovery and learning, starting April 8, 2025.

Additionally, we can make history together while attempting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^TM title for most users to take an online multi-level artificial intelligence lesson in 24 hours. It’s easy: Join us on April 8, build your skills, test your knowledge, and attest your participation. We’ll kick things off on April 7 at 23:00 UTC (9:00 AM AEST) and conclude on April 8 at 23:00 UTC (16:00 PDT), with learning events scheduled around the globe. Participate in this unique opportunity to learn, compete, and celebrate your achievements!

Enhance teaching and learning with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Copilot Chat enhances teaching and learning by helping you simplify administrative tasks, personalize learning, and enhance creativity. Learn how you can maximize the potential of AI in education with the following Copilot Chat resources:

• Enhance teaching and learning with Copilot Chat – Explore using Copilot Chat in education by learning basic concepts and features and then applying that knowledge to design effective prompts and analyze results.
• Copilot Chat resources for education – Find resources to help you, your team, and your institution get started with Copilot Chat.
• Meet your AI assistant for education – Delve into this blog post to help you get started with Copilot Chat to write prompts and generate images.

These materials will help you integrate Copilot Chat into your daily workflows and create more engaging learning experiences. Keep exploring new ways to use AI-powered tools to personalize instruction, prepare students for the future, and save time on your routine tasks.

Improve your students’ AI literacy

Building students’ AI literacy is essential to preparing them for the future. Use these pre-planned lessons and immersive experiences to demonstrate AI concepts while fostering critical thinking and responsible AI use:

• AI Foundations – Discover a set of accessible, engaging materials for building AI literacy with Minecraft. The program is designed to empower students, educators, and families with a fundamental understanding of how AI works and how to use AI tools responsibly.
• CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper – Help students develop responsible AI habits by exploring academic integrity, human oversight, and data privacy in this engaging Minecraft world.
• AI Classroom Toolkit – Access lesson plans, activities, and teaching strategies for students ages 13-15 to introduce AI literacy into your classroom.

By incorporating these experiences into your curriculum, you’ll empower students to understand and interact with AI responsibly. Encourage continued learning by fostering discussions about the role of AI in society and the importance of human-centered skills for future careers.

Build a solid foundation with online safety

Empowering students and their families to support informed choices about their online activity is crucial, especially in the context of generative AI. As students engage with AI, it’s important that they have the skills to stay safe and make informed decisions. In 2024, we launched a Family Safety Toolkit which provides guidance on how to use Microsoft’s safety features and family safety settings. This toolkit supports and enhances digital parenting and offers guidance for families looking to navigate the world of generative AI together.

Take the opportunity to build your AI skills on National AI Literacy Day and continue to enhance them throughout the year. By embracing AI literacy, you can empower yourself and your students to confidently navigate the evolving digital landscape. Get started with our free AI literacy resources today to deepen your understanding, integrate AI into your teaching, and prepare your students for the future.

The post Level up your AI skills on National AI Literacy Day appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

We’ll showcase some of the latest product enhancements and features that can help you increase student engagement, refine your instructional techniques, and simplify your workflow. Additionally, we’ll share professional learning opportunities to help you grow and enhance your skills. Let’s dive in and explore some of the latest developments from Microsoft Education.

Simplify your workflow and enhance student engagement

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat and agents

We recently introduced Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, an offering that adds pay-as-you-go agents to our existing free chat experience for Microsoft 365 education customers. Copilot Chat is the experience you can use every day—powered by broad knowledge from the web, built on the latest AI models, and designed to be safe and secure. 

You can customize your Copilot Chat experience with AI agents tailored to your specific needs. Simply provide the agent with institutional files—such as a lesson plan template and language usage guidelines—to create specialized assistants, like a “lesson plan agent” that aligns to your institution’s standards.

Advancements in AI

At Bett UK 2025, we announced AI-powered products and resources to help boost your efficiency, expedite your administrative processes, and enhance student engagement. Some highlights include:

• Copilot+ PCs – featuring enhanced security, optimized performance, and AI-integrated experiences. Now with code name Project Spark—our first education-focused Windows 11 app for Copilot+ PC—to bring on-device intelligence to your classroom.
• Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – new resources and updates help leaders deliver safer AI experiences in their schools.
• Minecraft Lesson Crafter – an AI-powered tool that helps you design custom lesson plans in Minecraft Education, while also practicing how to write effective AI prompts.
• Khanmigo for Teachers – provides over 20 free, AI-powered tools to help streamline class prep with no prompting required.
• Khanmigo Writing Coach – designed by educators, it uses AI to make essay writing an interactive experience and provide students with step-by-step guidance without ever writing a word for them.

Learning Accelerators and Teams Assignments updates

Help your students build foundational and future-ready skills with Learning Accelerators, a set of learning tools included in Microsoft 365 Education. Support ongoing improvement and give your students more opportunities to learn, practice, and receive targeted coaching instantly in an inclusive environment. Check out some of the latest updates to Learning Accelerators:

• Reading Coach is now available as a free, standalone app. Explore how Reading Coach helps students build reading fluency with AI-powered reading practice.
• Math Progress is now available with Microsoft Teams for Education, making it easier for you to create math problems, track student performance, and identify learning needs.
• Speaker Progress now allows students to upload their own PowerPoints and provides real-time feedback on their presentation skills like pacing, pitch, and body language. Also, more languages are now available in Speaker Progress, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean.
• Teams Assignments are now integrated with Blackboard by Anthology—bringing Learning Accelerators, MakeCode projects, Reflect check-ins, and other tools directly into the learning management system (LMS).

Whether you’re helping students become more confident readers, strengthening math skills, or improving public speaking, these updates make it easier to support student learning and engagement.

Dig Deeper into the world of AI with Minecraft

The CyberSafe series from Minecraft Education uses game-based learning to help students boost their digital citizenship skills. In the latest installment, CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, learners develop skills to use AI tools responsibly by tackling real-world challenges and exploring questions of academic integrity, human oversight, data privacy, and deepfakes. Discover this fun Minecraft world and empower your students to think critically and use AI responsibly.

Stay ahead with professional learning opportunities

Level up cybersecurity curriculum with MSLE

Bringing AI, cybersecurity, and digital safety into the classroom is easier with the right support. The Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) program offers professional learning opportunities that help you integrate these important topics into your teaching with confidence. The MSLE Cybersecurity and AI Bootcamp provides:

• Train-the-trainer sessions led by Microsoft experts.
• Flexible resources to help you incorporate AI and cybersecurity into any subject area.
• Support for preparing students for Microsoft Certification exams.

With expert guidance and ready-to-use resources, this program helps you equip students with the knowledge they need for the future.

Tap into possibilities for innovation

Inspiring a new generation of learners

Microsoft welcomed nearly 30,000 Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE) and 600 Microsoft Showcase Schools (SCS) for the 2024-2025 academic year. These educators and schools are leading the way in enhancing learning through technology, and they’re poised to make an even greater impact in the year ahead. Interested in joining these inspiring communities? Learn more about the programs and details about the nomination process for each.

Education pricing for Microsoft 365 Archive

In today’s digital landscape, educational institutions require strong information management to fully leverage AI. Effective information governance helps ensure that AI applications use accurate, complete, and reliable data to generate meaningful insights and improve outcomes. Microsoft 365 Archive can help you manage your data and is now available for qualifying education tenants at education pricing.

Whether you want to try new ways to engage your students, boost your professional learning, or tap into possibilities for innovation at your school, Microsoft Education has tools and experiences for you to explore. Dive in and get started today!

The post Amplify learning with updates from Microsoft Education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

New this year: The Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts and Microsoft Showcase Schools programs are now being supported by the Microsoft Philanthropies team. The programs are highly valued and are being supported this year in strong collaboration from teams across Microsoft.

Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts and MIE Fellows

We invite you to learn more about our community of inspiring educators who take every opportunity to enhance their own learning, enabling them to do more within their educational institutions. In using Microsoft technology, MIE Experts build skills that have a direct impact on the future of their schools and communities at large. They also build connections with an exclusive digital community, at local events, conferences, through social media, and additional mediums.

In welcoming MIE Experts for the 2024-2025 academic year, we recognize their dedication to professional growth and their unwavering enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in education. Through their leadership and innovative practices, MIE Experts are inspiring students to become active participants in their own learning journey, equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Join us in welcoming the 2024-2025 MIE Experts!

The MIE Fellows are a select group of MIE Experts who’ve emerged as leaders in their areas, motivating their colleagues and students with creative teaching methods. They actively share their knowledge and experiences, playing a vital role in a global community dedicated to advancing education through technology. Welcome MIE Fellows for 2024-2025!

Microsoft Showcase Schools and Microsoft Incubator Schools

Microsoft Showcase Schools have embraced technology as a catalyst for positive change, weaving it into the fabric of their educational programs to enhance student engagement, collaboration, and achievement.

Being designated as a Microsoft Showcase School is a testament to an institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and empowerment by using Microsoft tools. Showcase Schools serve as living examples of how educational technology can elevate learning outcomes, preparing students with future-ready skills.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Microsoft Showcase Schools. These institutions have not only embraced technological advancements but have also created inclusive and student-centered environments where learners are encouraged to explore, experiment, and excel. Join us in welcoming the 2024-2025 Microsoft Showcase Schools!

The Microsoft Incubator Schools are just beginning their journey toward educational transformation. As they embark on this path, their involvement in the Incubator School program allows them to work alongside Microsoft and educational leaders globally, laying the groundwork for substantial, lasting impact. Their journey is in its early stages, and the opportunities for growth and innovation are vast. Welcome Microsoft Incubator Schools for 2024-2025!

Join our community of MIE Experts

In the first half of 2025, you’ll have the opportunity to join nearly 30,000 educators in our MIE Expert community. You can get started by joining the Microsoft Learn Educator Center, where you can access free professional development and resources to support your growth as an educator! Once you join, start working to earn your Microsoft Educator and Advanced Educator badges.

Nominations to become an MIE Expert are expected to open in May 2025. Prepare for your nomination by learning more about how to join the MIE Expert program.

Join the Microsoft Showcase School program

If you’re a school leader who’s interested in joining the Showcase School program, please follow these steps:

• Find out where your school is on the transformation journey and decide in which areas you’d like your school to grow.
• Learn about the Showcase School program engagement process.
• Fill out a self-nomination form for your school.

Note that all schools joining the program start on the incubator path to begin or expand their transformation journey. When a school reaches the Showcase School criteria, they can then apply to become a Showcase School.

Transforming education together

By embracing these opportunities and resources, educators and school leaders can drive meaningful change and inspire a new generation of learners. Together, let’s transform education and unlock the potential of every student, making a lasting impact on our communities and beyond.

Stay up to date on the latest news and resources from Microsoft Education to support teaching and learning, no matter where you live:

• Sign up for our educator newsletter.
• Subscribe to the Microsoft Education YouTube channel.
• Follow us on TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

The post Welcome the 2024-2025 MIE Experts and Microsoft Showcase Schools appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

We’ll highlight some of the recent product updates and capabilities to help you boost student engagement, improve your instruction, and simplify your tasks. We’ll also share professional development opportunities to help you develop and enhance your skills. Let’s dive in and see what’s new in Microsoft Education.

Simplify your workflow with new tools, features, and capabilities

1. Get free access to Khanmigo for Teachers for US educators

We recently announced a new partnership with Khan Academy to help turn the promise of AI in education into reality and increase access to innovation. As part of the partnership, Microsoft is enabling Khan Academy to provide free access to Khanmigo for Teachers to all US educators, we’re collaborating to explore opportunities to improve AI-powered math tutoring with a new open-source small language model, and bringing high-quality education experiences to more learners.

Read about our collaboration with Khan Academy and learn how US educators can get started with Khanmigo for Teachers for free. You can also save or print this quick guide to Khanmigo for Teachers to refer back to as needed.

2. Discover new Minecraft Education, Reflect, and MakeCode experiences inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2

Engage your class with new experiences from Microsoft Education inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2. Create an open and accepting classroom with these new activities from Minecraft Education, Reflect, and MakeCode.

• Dive into a world where emotions come to life and find what brings you joy in a new Minecraft Education build challenge inspired by the movie, complete with a lesson plan and a custom world.
• Explore new brain breaks in Reflect that include stories, games, and coloring pages featuring characters from the movie.
• Celebrate the release with a new Bubble Popping arcade tutorial from MakeCode that features art and characters from the movie.

3. Teach computing skills with Visual Studio Code for Education

Consistent with Microsoft’s commitment to preparing students for the future, we announced the release of our latest product to empower the next generation of developers—Visual Studio Code for Education, a free online computer science education platform. Visual Studio Code for Education is designed for students and educators and provides integrated curriculum and a sandbox coding environment for everyone, with zero setup.

Get started with Visual Studio Code for Education and see how it can be a valuable resource in your classroom!

4. Practice summer reading with Reading Coach

School may be out for summer in many places across the northern hemisphere, but learning doesn’t have to stop! Have your students practice their reading and personalize their own stories using Reading Coach online during the summer break. Reading Coach provides personalized, engaging, and independent reading fluency practice by allowing learners to create unique AI-generated stories by choosing characters and settings from a curated collection of options.

One of the newest features, “Unlock characters and settings,” empowers learners to get a new character or story setting for every 20 minutes of reading. Learners can even trade characters and story settings from a whole new collection. Get started with Reading Coach online for school or home use and scroll further to learn about the new Reading Coach training course for educators on Microsoft Learn.

5. Leap into summer learning with a free game from Microsoft

Help your student stay sharp over the summer break with our free game for students, Leaps and Logs. In this summer learning game, players take on challenges across various subjects including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Coding, and Arts/Music. The free summer learning activities in Leaps and Logs can be completed by students of most ages (age 8 or older recommended) and players can engage with Leaps and Logs in two different ways: digitally or on paper (with access to a device for embedded task links).

Visit Leap into summer learning with a game from Microsoft for full game directions and the Leaps and Logs game board.

6. Check out the new AI enhancements in Microsoft Teams for Education

New features in Microsoft Teams for Education, a powerful communication app for schools, leverage AI to help you draft content like rubrics and assignment instructions, all while keeping the educator in control.   

• Using generative AI to create rubrics in Assignments: With generative AI integrated into Assignments, enter what you want the rubric to assess, and Assignments will suggest criteria and complete the rubric for you.
• Using generative AI to create instructions in Assignments: Get multiple suggestions for how to enrich the content, such as adding more details, adding learning objectives, emphasizing key concepts, and even making your assignments more interesting. After the content is created, you can make further edits and updates as you go.

Visit What’s New in Microsoft EDU | May 2024 to learn about all the new updates in Microsoft Teams for Education.

7. Explore the new wild wisdom activities collection in Microsoft Reflect

We’re excited to introduce the wild wisdom activities collection in Reflect, featuring stories and coloring pages centered around nature. Reflect is a Learning Accelerator that helps students build important social, emotional, and academic skills by offering quick check-ins, intentional brain breaks, mindfulness activities, and actionable data. Each story in the wild wisdom collection is paired with a corresponding coloring page and highlights the fascinating behaviors of various animals—from dolphin friendships to elephant empathy, and penguin teamwork.

Explore the engaging stories and coloring pages in the new wild wisdom activities collection in Reflect.

8. Enrich teaching and learning experiences with Microsoft Forms updates

Microsoft Forms helps educators assess student progress and create engaging, interactive learning experiences for their students. Check out these updates in Microsoft Forms to easily access your responses and insert a form into a Stream video.

• Form or quiz data sync to Excel: You can now access all your responses in Excel for the web. New responses will sync automatically in real-time, while also leveraging Excel’s robust functions to analyze and evaluate your class’s performance.
• Embed Forms and callouts into Stream videos: You can now insert a form or quiz directly into a Stream video. As the video plays to a specific moment, the form or quiz will appear to the students. Once they’ve completed the form or quiz, they can continue watching the video, providing you with a new way to enhance engagement and assess comprehension in real-time.

Read What’s New in Microsoft EDU | May 2024 to learn about all the latest updates in Microsoft Forms.

9. Adding Universal Print value for educational organizations

Many schools have told us that they need simpler printing solutions and more predictable costs to manage their budgets effectively. To help educational organizations meet their printing needs, we recently announced licensing changes that will address both these issues. Organizations with Microsoft 365 A3 and Microsoft 365 A5 licenses¹ now receive 100 print jobs per license per month. This means that most organizations can use Universal Print with no extra cost if they have eligible licenses.

Read the article Adding Universal Print value for educational organizations to learn more about Universal Print and the new increased print volume.

Stay ahead with professional development opportunities and events

10. Take the new Reading Coach course on Microsoft Learn

Learn how to use Reading Coach, a free tool that uses AI and built-in fluency detection to personalize reading content and practice for learners, with a new training module on Microsoft Learn. The new course will help you understand how to access Reading Coach and use the tool in your classroom. It’ll also help you learn how to describe the core reading functionality of the tool, and how to best use the different reading modes to support your students’ reading fluency.

Take the new Build reading fluency with Reading Coach training module on Microsoft Learn and learn how to get started with Reading Coach.

11. Recharge and explore with summer learning for educators

Many educators in the northern hemisphere are getting ready to take a well-deserved break for the summer. We know that many of you embrace this opportunity to explore new things, so we’ve curated a list of exciting learning experiences to inspire you this summer. These free, flexible professional development resources for teachers allow you to move at your own pace and can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

Visit Recharge and explore with summer learning for educators to tap into our collection of free professional development resources for teachers.

Tap into new possibilities for innovation in education

12. Become an MIE Expert, Showcase School, or Incubator School for 2024-2025

The future is here, and it’s time to step into the spotlight as a beacon of educational innovation. The Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert nominations for the 2024-2025 academic year are open until June 17, 2024, and Showcase School nominations are opening soon. This is your opportunity to shine! Being part of these programs means actively participating in a global movement that redefines education through technology.

Check out the article Become an MIE Expert, Showcase School, or Incubator School for 2024-2025 to learn how to nominate yourself and your school.

Whether you want to discover new ways to engage your students, expand your learning, or tap into possibilities for innovation at your school, Microsoft Education has new features and experiences for you to explore. Happy teaching!

¹ Users with Student Use Benefit licenses can print with Universal Print, but these licenses do not contribute print jobs to the pool. See Product Terms for details about Student Use Benefits and Academic Programs.

The post Discover 12 new ways to enhance your teaching with Microsoft Education appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

To better understand what skills employers are prioritizing, Microsoft commissioned International Data Corporation (IDC) to interview more than 800 business and IT leaders worldwide. The findings, captured in a newly released IDC InfoBrief, Thriving in an AI-driven Future: Defining Critical Skills and Tools as Jobs Evolve,* highlight a need for not only technical and AI-related skills, but also human skills development. The report explores what skills and tools are most critical to success, targeting roles in IT and line of business (LOB) areas such as marketing, sales, HR, operations, and finance.

Skills development has gone from an anchor experience in higher education to being an ongoing experience as part of the flow of work. Whether starting as a new graduate or an experienced professional leader, the end goal is to adapt and learn the most critical tools for driving productivity, business and organizational success.

Amy Loomis, Ph.D., IDC Research Vice President, Future of Work

Read the IDC InfoBrief Thriving in an AI-driven Future: Defining Critical Skills and Tools as Jobs Evolve to learn about the key skills and tools that are critical to success in the workplace.

Key findings: Build proficiency in productivity tools and human skills

As technologies like AI become more commonplace, it’s increasingly important to build proficiency in productivity tools with generative AI embedded in them, including those that workers are already using.

Findings from the IDC InfoBrief, Thriving in an AI-driven Future, show three top technical skills ranked by the percentage of respondents for two groups: IT and LOB. The skills are ranked as follows: Microsoft Office 50% IT, 66% LOB; data management 35% IT, 39% LOB; project management 34% IT, and 35% LOB.

When it comes to the technical skills prioritized by IT and business leaders worldwide, proficiency in Microsoft Office was ranked the most important technical skill for professional success across IT and business leaders—significantly ahead of the next listed skill.

Two statistics from the IDC InfoBrief, Thriving in an AI-driven Future, about applications to know for work. Sixty-five percent of respondents report Microsoft Teams is a top tool. Sixty-five percent of LOB managers report Microsoft Office is the most important for success for their teams.

In addition, 100% of respondents shared that they use Microsoft Office every day for communication and collaboration, with 65% of LOB managers choosing it as the most important solution for the professional success of their teams.

Microsoft Teams was also identified as critical. When asked about the overall ranking of the top 3 collaboration tools for work purposes, respondents cited Microsoft Teams as the highest ranked collaboration and productivity application for work purposes, with Microsoft Office also being in the top 3.

Two bar graphs from the IDC InfoBrief, Thriving in an AI-driven Future, that list the important human and business skills for experienced professionals and new professionals according to respondents. The skills listed for experienced professionals are problem solving (49%), communication (45%), data analysis (44%), organizational skills (42%), and flexibility (42%). The skills listed for new professionals are flexibility (42%), creative problem solving (41%), creativity (35%), organizational skills (34%), and problem solving (34%).

In addition to having working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams, experienced professionals and managers indicated that future success in new hires requires human and business skills such as:

• Problem solving
• Communication
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Data analysis

Our tools continue to be foundational to success in the knowledge economy. As a leading provider of AI technology, these tools with built-in AI functionality will help ensure that students are ready for what is next in the world of work.

Paige Johnson, Vice President, Education and Media Industry Marketing, Microsoft

Certifications matter to employers

Recent LinkedIn data reveals that 20% of U.S. jobs no longer require a 4-year degree, with employers adopting a “skills-first” approach to hiring. This approach emphasizes what a candidate can do and their willingness to learn new skills.

The IDC InfoBrief confirms this trend. Of responding IT and LOB managers:

• 74% indicate that certifications from technology vendors are important when hiring entry level applicants.
• 70% note that certifications are as important, if not more, than academic degrees for hiring new professionals.
• 50% say that vendor certifications offer greater career mobility.
• 45% agree that certifications lead to more engaging roles and higher pay.

We are excited to see the opportunity industry credentials represent for students entering the workforce to demonstrate their technical skills verified with industry-recognized certifications to stand out in a competitive job market.

Christina Thoresen, Worldwide Education Solutions Strategy Leader, Microsoft

In addition to the value employers find in certifications, the IDC InfoBrief also offers companies and organizations guidance regarding AI and hiring practices:

• Align around key skills for business and IT.
• Invest in generative AI technology and training. 
• Reinforce the importance of key human and business skills. 
• Consider which vendor certifications are most important.
• Partner with educational institutions to encourage better skills alignment for graduates.

Explore how Microsoft Credentials support growth and proficiency with role-based certifications to new, scenario-specific applied skills.

Preparing for AI readiness in the workforce

IDC’s findings, as well as Microsoft’s own New Future of Work report, confirm that the need for an AI-ready workforce has already arrived. Today’s graduates are expected to be able to use Microsoft Copilot and other AI technologies as they progress from classroom to career. Skills like critical thinking and analytical judgment, complex problem solving, and creativity and originality are new core competencies—not just for technical roles or AI experts.

As AI reshapes work, human-AI collaboration will be the next transformational work pattern—the ability to work iteratively with AI will be a key skill for every employee. We’re already seeing it. Here’s what stands out from our November 2023 Work Trend Index Special Report:

• 70% of Copilot users said they were more productive, and 68% said it improved the quality of their work.
• Overall, users were 29% faster in a series of tasks (searching, writing, and summarizing).
• Users were able to get caught up on a missed meeting nearly 4x faster.
• 64% of users said Copilot helps them spend less time processing email.
• 85% of users said Copilot helps them get to a good first draft faster.
• 75% of users said Copilot “saves me time by finding whatever I need in my files.”
• 77% of users said once they used Copilot, they didn’t want to give it up.

Get started today with Copilot and explore how to leverage it as an educator. Learn more about Copilot for Microsoft 365, an add-on, to integrate AI assistance into the apps you use every day.

Explore resources for building key skills

Learn more about key skills and tools critical for future success by exploring these additional resources.

• Discover interactive projects, self-paced training, communities, and more for your students at the Microsoft Learn Student Hub. 
• Bring AI and in-demand tech skills-building to your students through Microsoft Credentials. 
• Complete the AI for educators learning path to discover practical and interesting ways to integrate AI into teaching and learning with tools like Copilot.
• Use the Classroom toolkit: Unlocking generative AI safely and responsibly, a resource designed to assist educators in initiating conversations about responsible AI practices in the classroom.
• Check out the Minecraft AI Prompt Lab to learn skills and knowledge needed to creatively use Minecraft Education as a dynamic teaching tool. 
• Explore the Microsoft Office Specialist and Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certifications available from Certiport..

*doc #US51794024, March 2024

The post New IDC InfoBrief explores key skills and tools critical to AI success appeared first on Microsoft Education Blog.

Join the Microsoft Education team on April 24, 2024, for an informational meeting to start your journey as an MIE Expert or Showcase School. Come learn more about each program and explore the opportunities and resources available for educators and schools. Invite your fellow educators and school leaders!  

Select a time on April 24 that best fits your schedule and join us to learn more about the MIE Expert and Showcase School programs.   

Option 1: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 8:00 AM PT 

• Download the calendar File: Become an MIE Expert Showcase School or Incubator School for 2024-2025 – A.ics
• Join using this direct link: aka.ms/EduOptionA 
• Check the time in your timezone  

Option 2: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 5:00 PM PT 

• Download the calendar file: Become an MIE Expert Showcase School or Incubator School for 2024-2025 – B.ics 
• Join using this direct link: aka.ms/EduOptionB 
• Check the time in your timezone 

Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert program

Are you an educator who integrates Microsoft technology into your teaching? Do you inspire your students with creative thinking and a collaborative spirit? If so, the MIE Expert program is looking for visionaries like you. As a member of this exclusive community, you’ll connect with like-minded educators globally, sharing your insights and shaping the future of education. Watch this video to meet the amazing MIE Expert community.  

How to become an MIE Expert

1. Join Microsoft Learn: Start by creating your profile on Microsoft Learn to track your achievements.
2. Complete key learning paths on Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Educator academy, Master Microsoft Teams for any learning environment, 21st century learning design, and AI for educators 
3. Review the nomination questions: For new MIE Experts, visit aka.ms/MIEEnewquestions2025, and for renewing MIE Experts, visit aka.ms/MIEErenewalquestions2025 
4. Nominate yourself: Between May 15, 2024, and June 17, 2024, submit your self-nomination, showcasing your innovative use of Microsoft tools as an educator. Note that only nominations submitted during the nomination period will be considered.  

Microsoft Showcase Schools program

If your school is a hub of innovative teaching and learning, becoming a Microsoft Showcase School can help you take your vision further. Showcase Schools are exemplary models that use technology to create immersive and inclusive experiences, fostering essential skills for the future. Check out the Showcase School criteria: aka.ms/SCScriteria2025   

How to join as a Showcase School

1. Join the Incubator School pathway: Join the pathway and access support with your digital transformation. 
2. Familiarize yourself with the framework: Review the Microsoft K-12 Education Transformation Framework to understand the program’s principles. 
3. Assess your school: Use the Showcase School rubric to evaluate your school’s current standing and areas for growth. Visit aka.ms/SCSrubric20
4. Prepare your graduation sway: Collate evidence of your use of Microsoft tools to enhance teaching and learning. Visit aka.ms/SCSgraduationsway 
5. Nominate yourself: Fill out the self-nomination form between June 17, 2024, and July 1, 2024, demonstrating how your school has integrated technology to enhance education. Note that only nominations submitted during the nomination period will be considered. 

Are you ready to embrace the future of education? 

Being part of these programs means more than just recognition. It’s about actively participating in a global movement that redefines education through technology. It’s about preparing students for a world where digital literacy is not just valued but essential.  

We’re calling for educators and institutions who dare to dream big. Are you ready to join the ranks of those driving educational transformation?   

Connect with Microsoft Education 

Stay up to date on the latest news and resources from Microsoft Education to support teaching and learning, no matter where you live.  

• Join the Microsoft Learn Educator Center. 
• Sign up for our educator newsletter. 
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel. 
• Follow us on TikTok, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. 
• Visit the Microsoft Education Blog for news that inspires and supports learning. 

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