Microsoft released a new set of AI tools for educators and students alongside its third annual AI in Education Report, which shows rapid adoption in schools but a stubborn training gap. More than half of education leaders say their schools are expanding AI use, while three-quarters of educators reported increased AI usage over the past year. Yet 77% of students and 53% of educators have never received formal AI training.
Adoption climbs but training falls short
The report found that 58% of education leaders said their schools are implementing or expanding AI. A larger share-more than three-quarters of educators and school leaders-said their own AI use grew in the last 12 months. Despite that momentum, a clear majority of both students and teachers have not been trained. Microsoft said many respondents want schools to offer ongoing AI training, and concerns about academic integrity amplify the need for clear classroom guidelines on responsible use.
New tools for the classroom
Microsoft introduced several AI-powered features in Microsoft 365 Education to help address those needs. Teachers can now generate standards-aligned lesson plans, set classroom AI rules, and manage live learning activities. Students gain access to AI-supported study guides and interactive experiences inside the platforms they already use. These updates reflect a broader push for AI for Education that moves from experimentation toward practical daily use.
Expanded credentialing and recognition
The company also expanded its Elevate for Educators program. Working with ISTE + ASCD, Microsoft launched a free AI Literacy for Educators credential. For teachers seeking structured guidance, an AI Learning Path for Teachers can help build foundational skills. Applications for the 2026-27 Educator Expert and Showcase School recognition programs remain open through July 31.
Why this matters for education
The numbers are blunt: AI tools are spreading fast in schools, but most educators and students lack the training to use them well. Free credentials and built-in classroom features lower the barrier, yet they only help if schools make AI literacy a priority. For teachers and administrators, now is the moment to claim available training, insist on clear policies, and close the gap before the adoption curve pulls further ahead of readiness.
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