The opportunity of AI is here, and educators are taking the lead in preparing students with AI skills for future careers. 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. Learn more and explore how to become an MIE Expert and Showcase School.
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!
| Session date | Session time | Link to register |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2025 | 11:00 PM PT | aka.ms/May14OfficeHour |
| June 4, 2025 | 8:00 AM PT | aka.ms/June4OfficeHour |
| June 18, 2025 | 5:00 PM PT | aka.ms/June18OfficeHour |
| July 1, 2025 | 11:00 PM PT | aka.ms/July1OfficeHour |
| July 16, 2025 | 8:00 AM PT | aka.ms/July16OfficeHour |
| July 23, 2025 | 8:00 AM PT | aka.ms/July23OfficeHourA |
| July 23, 2025 | 5:00 PM PT | aka.ms/July23OfficeHourB |
| July 24, 2025 | 1:00 AM PT | aka.ms/July24OfficeHour |
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
- Join Microsoft Learn: Start by creating your profile on Microsoft Learn to track your achievements.
- 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
- Review the nomination questions: View helpful guidance and access the list of nomination questions (automatic download).
- 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
- Familiarize yourself with the Showcase School criteria: Review the Showcase School criteria to understand the program’s principles.
- Assess your school: Use the Showcase School rubric to evaluate your school’s current standing and areas for growth.
- Prepare your evidence PowerPoint: Collate evidence of your use of Microsoft tools to enhance teaching and learning.
- 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.
