Microsoft Launches Elevate for Educators, Strengthening Educational Initiatives with AI Tools

Microsoft's Commitment to Empower Educators

In a significant move towards enhancing the educational landscape, Microsoft Corp. has launched the "Elevate for Educators" initiative. Announced ahead of Bett UK 2026, this program aims to connect educators globally to a vast community, essential resources, and impactful skills activated by AI. Through this initiative, Microsoft seeks to equip schools and educators with innovative tools and support, enabling them to prepare students for an AI-driven future without any added costs.

Bridging the Gap in Education

The introduction of Microsoft Elevate for Educators is aligned with Microsoft's broader mission to bolster education amidst the rising influence of AI. This program provides a reliable suite of AI-based educational tools, ensuring educators and students have the knowledge and confidence to utilize technology effectively. Justin Spelhaug, president of Microsoft Elevate, emphasized this commitment, stating, "As AI becomes part of everyday learning, our responsibility is to ensure it supports educators and builds trust among students and families."

Program Highlights

1. Global Communities: The initiative includes the establishment of new global communities for educators, focusing on the challenges of AI integration in classrooms. This platform allows educators to share best practices, gain recognition for their achievements, and collaborate on a global level, fostering a culture of professional development.

2. Free Professional Development: Microsoft Elevate for Educators boasts a range of free professional development opportunities. With various standalone courses and live sessions, educators can enhance their skills in over 13 languages through the AI Skills Navigator platform, ensuring they stay updated in their certifications and career paths.

3. Industry-Recognized Credentials: The program introduces a new, free competency aimed at equipping educators with the ability to blend AI into their teaching strategies. Furthermore, educators will soon gain access to the Microsoft Certified Instructional Technologist and Coach certification, underscoring their expertise in technology integration in educational contexts.

Empowering Students for the Workforce

In addition to supporting educators, Microsoft is rolling out a limited-time promotion that provides students with essential tools needed for success in today's job market. Eligible students can receive complimentary 12-month subscriptions to Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career, granting them access to productivity applications integrated with AI capabilities, as well as professional networking resources to prepare them for future opportunities.

Innovative AI Features for Education

Microsoft is also unveiling new AI-driven features exclusive to education, aimed at enriching the learning experience. These enhancements allow educators to streamline lesson planning while personalizing instruction based on students' individual needs. With tools like Teach, educators can create tailored lessons efficiently, thus dedicating more time to actual teaching.

Autonomous Learning Opportunities

Recognizing the trend towards independent study, Microsoft is introducing the Study and Learn agent — an adaptive AI assistant designed to empower students. This feature focuses on promoting critical thinking and self-directed learning, with this agent set to launch in a limited preview soon.

For further information on Microsoft’s educational initiatives, visit aka.ms/AIforTeachingandLearning or explore their presence at the Bett UK exhibition from January 21-23.

Microsoft, listed on Nasdaq as “MSFT”, is dedicated to building AI-enabled platforms and tools tailored to the evolving needs of education. Through responsible AI deployment, Microsoft aims to empower individuals and organizations globally.