Key Points:
- Microsoft AI education tools expand with Elevate for Educators, offering training, credentials, and global educator communities.
- New AI features in Microsoft 365 Copilot support lesson planning and student learning.
- Academic Copilot and student offers provide advanced AI tools, resources, and career-ready bundles.
Microsoft has announced a significant expansion of its education offerings, introducing new professional learning programs for teachers alongside Microsoft AI education tools designed for classrooms and campuses. The updates focus on building digital and AI skills for educators and students while embedding learning focused features across Microsoft 365.
The company shared the changes through education focused announcements that outline how AI driven tools, credentials, and classroom integration will play a central role in its long term education strategy. Several of the new capabilities are available at no additional cost for education customers, while others will be included in a dedicated academic Copilot offering.
Elevate for Educators Brings Training and Credentials Together
At the center of the rollout is Elevate for Educators, a new global program designed to support teacher development and school leadership. The initiative brings professional learning resources, educator communities, and credentials into a single framework aimed at both K to 12 educators and higher education instructors.
Elevate for Educators is part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to help more than 20 million people build AI related skills over the next two years. Participants gain year-round access to educator communities, free training resources, and credentials focused on AI literacy and instructional technology.
Professional learning is delivered through the AI Skills Navigator platform, which offers self paced courses, live learning sessions, and AI-supported simulations. These resources are available in more than 13 languages. Microsoft also confirmed plans to introduce a dedicated course on AI in special education, which will launch at a major education technology event in 2026.
In addition to individual educators, school systems and education authorities can receive formal recognition for supporting professional development and demonstrating classroom impact. Microsoft described this as a way to highlight effective adoption of modern teaching practices across institutions.
AI Learning Tools Added Across Microsoft 365
Alongside the new educator program, Microsoft is expanding teaching and learning tools inside Microsoft 365 Copilot. These tools, part of the suite of Microsoft AI education tools, are designed to support lesson creation, student study, and interactive learning experiences.
A new feature called Teach is now available within the Microsoft 365 Copilot app. It allows educators to generate lesson plans, quizzes, and rubrics, and to adapt content by reading level, length, or difficulty. Microsoft stated that Teach is available at no additional cost for education customers, with learning management system integration planned for future updates.
For students aged 13 and older, Microsoft is introducing the Study and Learn Agent. This tool is designed to support understanding and practice rather than quick answers. It uses adaptive exercises, flashcards, and quizzes to help students review concepts and build skills over time.
Institutions using Copilot plus PCs will also gain access to the Microsoft Learning Zone. This on device experience enables educators to create interactive activities and track student progress. Content is drawn from a range of education partners including NASA, OpenStax, PBS NewsHour, the Nobel Peace Center, World Wildlife Fund, and Minecraft Education. Learning management system integration for this tool is expected in 2026.
Academic Copilot and Student Offers Detailed
Microsoft also confirmed pricing and availability for an academic version of Microsoft 365 Copilot. The offering will be available from December 2025 and priced at 18 dollars per user per month. It will be accessible to educators, staff, and students aged 13 and older.
The academic Copilot includes access to advanced Copilot agents, tuning capabilities, and enterprise data protection controls designed for education environments, enhancing the suite of Microsoft AI education tools available to schools.
For higher education students, Microsoft announced a limited-time offer that includes a 12 month bundle of Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career at no additional cost, subject to eligibility and regional availability. The company said the offer is intended to support academic work as well as career preparation.
Microsoft also shared early feedback from schools and universities already using Copilot tools. Institutions reported time savings for educators and administrators, allowing more focus on teaching, learning, and student support.
Together, the new programs and tools reflect a continued push to integrate AI into education in ways that support teaching practice, student learning, and long term skill development with Microsoft AI education tools.