Educators are bringing AI into classrooms to reshape what students can create, imagine, and achieve. Across classrooms and school campuses, innovative leaders are transforming learning with AI, empowering their fellow educators, and helping students build AI literacy to thrive. Microsoft is proud to champion this work through Microsoft Elevate for Educators and to recognize teachers and school leaders who demonstrate a commitment to excellence with the Educator Expert and Showcase School designations.
The advanced recognition application window for the 2026–2027 academic year begins today and will remain open through July 31, 2026. If you’re driving innovation in learning and empowering your colleagues and students with new possibilities, now is the time to gain recognition for your leadership.
About Microsoft Elevate for Educators
Microsoft Elevate for Educators connects teachers and school leaders with a global community of peers, credentials, and capacity building resources to navigate the AI era. Educators can collaborate, learn from each other and industry experts, gain confidence through laddered pathways for training and credentialing, and explore toolkits, research, and guidance designed to help safely integrate technology into teaching and learning.
Global program overview and office hours
Join the Microsoft Elevate for Educators team for informational sessions designed to support your journey with the community. These sessions provide an overview of the program, highlight opportunities for educators and school leaders at every level, and introduce the resources available to support you, your school, and your students. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the application process for Expert and Showcase School recognition. These sessions are recommended for K–12 educators and school leaders.
| Microsoft Elevate for Educators sessions | Date | Time | Link to register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program overview | June 3, 2026 | 8:00 AM PT | Register here |
| Office hours | June 17, 2026 | 4:00 PM PT | Register here |
| Office hours | June 24, 2026 | 11:00 PM PT | Register here |
| Program overview | July 8, 2026 | 4:00 PM PT | Register here |
| Office hours | July 15, 2026 | 8:00 AM PT | Register here |
| Office hours | July 15, 2026 | 4:00 PM PT | Register here |
| Office hours | July 15, 2026 | 11:00 PM PT | Register here |
| Office hours | July 29, 2026 | 8:00 AM PT | Register here |
| Office hours | July 29, 2026 | 4:00 PM PT | Register here |
Educators: Join a global community of experts
Experts in the educator community share a bold commitment to transforming learning. They spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and bring creativity to life through purposeful use of Microsoft tools and AI in classrooms. If this reflects the way you teach, you’re exactly the kind of leader Microsoft Elevate for Educators is proud to recognize. By joining the global community of more than 43,000 educators, you’ll connect with innovative educators worldwide, exchange ideas, strengthen your practice, and help shape the future of teaching and learning.
How to become a Microsoft Elevate Educator Expert
- If you are new to the community, start by creating an account, completing your first training, and earning Explorer status. From there, you’ll be ready to begin the advanced recognition application for Expert status.
- Prepare your long-form answers with the Microsoft Elevate Educator Expert questions document.
- Complete required learning:
- Complete and submit your application by July 31, 2026.
School leaders: Join a global community of Showcase Schools
If your school is driving meaningful innovation, becoming a Microsoft Elevate Showcase School can amplify that work. Showcase Schools use technology to empower teaching, transform learning, and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future.
How to become a Microsoft Elevate Showcase School
- If you are new to the community, start by creating an account and becoming a Pathfinder school. Then, you’ll be ready to begin the advanced recognition application to earn Showcase School status.
- Check the AI Transformation Rubric to confirm your school meets the minimum criteria:
- Level 2 in Policy and Governance
- Level 1 in at least two other areas
- Download and draft the Showcase form questions. Complete the Showcase Evidence Template (slide 3), demonstrating how your school meets the required level for your chosen pillar. Export the completed slide as a PDF.
- Complete the application, including your AI transformation evidence and a PDF of your completed Showcase Evidence Template where required by July 31, 2026.
Embrace the future of education
The future of learning is unfolding now, and bold educators are leading the way. Becoming a Microsoft Elevate Showcase School or Microsoft Elevate Educator Expert isn’t just about recognition, it’s about joining a global community that is reshaping what’s possible in education.
Microsoft Elevate empowers schools and educators with the tools, insights, and support needed to spark creativity, strengthen collaboration, and expand access to meaningful learning opportunities.
By joining the Microsoft Elevate Educator community, you become part of a global network of changemakers imagining and building the next era of education. If you’re ready to dream big and lead with purpose, we invite you to join our community and apply for advanced recognition.
Stay connected with Microsoft
Stay up to date on the latest news and resources from the Microsoft Elevate for Educators team.
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Discover curated events and learning experiences for educators
- Get AI insights for education decision-makers
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 of students, educators, and staff to achieve better outcomes today and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.
