Announcing Microsoft Elevate for Educators-connecting educators with community, professional development, and AI tools
Classrooms turn curiosity into outcomes. Microsoft has supported education for more than 50 years and is doubling down as AI reshapes how we teach and learn. With trustworthy AI and practical training, educators can respond faster, personalize learning, and free up more time for real human connection.
Today, Microsoft is introducing Microsoft Elevate for Educators-a program that brings community, professional development, and AI tools together so schools, educators, and students can thrive with confidence.
What's new (and available now)
- Microsoft Elevate for Educators program: global community, year-round learning, and credentials.
- Teach in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app: streamline lesson planning, quizzes, and rubrics.
- Microsoft Learning Zone for Copilot+ PCs: create and track interactive activities with on-device intelligence.
- Study and Learn Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot: an AI learning companion for students 13+.
- 12 months of Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career for eligible higher ed students (limited time).
Inside the Microsoft Elevate for Educators program
Global communities for K-12 educators and schools
Educators need practical ways to bring AI into everyday teaching. The new Microsoft Elevate for Educators and Microsoft Elevate Schools communities provide year-round membership, expanded training, and a progressive recognition system. Districts, systems, and ministries can also earn recognition for supporting educator growth and measurable classroom impact.
Professional development for educators worldwide
Free professional learning and credentials help educators prove skills that can support career growth. The AI Skills Navigator offers self-paced courses, live sessions, and AI-driven simulations in 13+ languages. Launching at Bett UK 2026, a new AI in Special Education course supports more personalized learning for students with diverse needs.
Industry-recognized credentials
At no cost, the new Microsoft Elevate for Educators Credential-developed with ISTE + ASCD and mapped to the AI Literacy Framework-builds confidence and practical classroom use of AI. Study materials for additional Microsoft certifications are available, including a forthcoming certification in Instructional Technology.
Learn more about these partners: ISTE and ASCD.
AI tools built for classrooms
Teach: your assistant for lesson prep and classroom materials
Teach is now in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. Build standards-aligned lesson plans, generate quizzes and rubrics, and adapt materials to different reading levels-fast. It's available at no additional cost for Microsoft 365 Education customers, so you spend less time prepping and more time with students.
Microsoft Learning Zone: interactive learning with Copilot+ PCs
Microsoft Learning Zone is a Windows app that uses on-device intelligence on Copilot+ PCs to help educators create, share, and track personalized, interactive learning activities. Students on any Windows 11 PC receive instant feedback and coaching. The app has earned the ISTE Seal of Alignment for learning design, usability, and research-backed practice.
Content comes from trusted partners, including NASA, OpenStax, PBS NewsHour, the Nobel Peace Center, World Wildlife Fund, Figma, and Minecraft Education. New additions include Nobel Peace Center lessons featuring stories of laureates like Malala Yousafzai and Wangari Maathai-with companion activities in Minecraft Education. Share via Microsoft Teams today; LMS integration is expected later in 2026. English and Spanish are supported now, with Portuguese, French, German, and more planned in 2026.
Explore a partner resource: OpenStax.
Study and Learn Agent: support for student growth
The Study and Learn Agent in Microsoft 365 Copilot helps students 13+ build understanding and practice skills. It's grounded in learning science and supports guided study, adaptive practice, flashcards, matching, and quizzes-promoting independent, reflective learning.
Support for higher education
Microsoft continues working with colleges and universities to bring AI into classrooms and develop future-ready skills. With AI Skills Navigator, Microsoft Learn for Educators, AI Bootcamps, and the Microsoft Student Ambassadors program, faculty and students get practical pathways from classroom learning to real projects and credentials.
For a limited time, eligible higher ed students can access 12 months of Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career at no extra cost in select markets.
Trusted resources for education leaders
Security, trust, and accessibility are essential. The Microsoft Education Security Toolkit offers strategy, compliance guidance, implementation scenarios, and case studies to help institutions strengthen cybersecurity. The Microsoft Education AI Toolkit shares real stories, responsible-use guidance, and practical steps to start and scale AI across your organization.
For context, see insights referenced in the IDC White Paper, A Blueprint for AI-Ready Schools: Strategies from the Front Lines of K-12 Education (Dec 2025), featuring lessons from Brisbane Catholic Education (Australia), Broward County Schools (United States), and Coquitlam School District (Canada).
How to act on this-starting this term
- Join Microsoft Elevate for Educators and connect with peers for year-round learning and recognition.
- Use Teach in Microsoft 365 Copilot to cut your lesson prep time.
- Pilot Microsoft Learning Zone on Copilot+ PCs and track engagement data.
- Introduce the Study and Learn Agent to students for guided, independent practice.
- Plan PD with AI Skills Navigator and pursue the new credential with your team.
Extra learning for your staff
If you're building an AI skills plan for educators, explore curated programs and certifications here:
Headed to Bett UK 2026?
Visit Microsoft at stand SM20 from January 21-23, 2026 to see these tools in action and attend sessions across the agenda.
Your membership also unlocks:
