{"id":10526,"date":"2026-05-21T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/education\/blog\/?p=10526"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:26:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T17:26:24","slug":"microsoft-elevate-for-educators-advanced-recognition-application-guide-2026-2027","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/education\/blog\/2026\/05\/microsoft-elevate-for-educators-advanced-recognition-application-guide-2026-2027\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft Elevate for Educators: Advanced recognition application guide 2026-2027"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/strong><\/a> and to recognize teachers and school leaders who demonstrate a commitment to excellence with the Educator Expert<\/strong> and Showcase School <\/strong>designations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advanced recognition application window for the 2026\u20132027 academic year begins today and will remain open through July 31, 2026. If you\u2019re driving innovation in learning and empowering your colleagues and students with new possibilities, now is the time to gain recognition for your leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Microsoft Elevate for Educators <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft Elevate for Educators connects teachers and school leaders with a global community of peers<\/strong>, credentials, <\/strong>and capacity building resources <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Three<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Global program overview and office hours <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about the application process for Expert and Showcase School recognition. These sessions are recommended for K\u201312 educators and school leaders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft Elevate for Educators sessions<\/th>Date<\/th>Time<\/th>Link to register<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Program overview<\/td>June 3, 2026<\/td>8:00 AM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Office hours<\/td>June 17, 2026<\/td>4:00 PM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Office hours<\/td>June 24, 2026<\/td>11:00 PM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Program overview<\/td>July 8, 2026<\/td>4:00 PM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Office hours<\/td>July 15, 2026<\/td>8:00 AM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Office hours<\/td>July 15, 2026<\/td>4:00 PM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Office hours<\/td>July 15, 2026<\/td>11:00 PM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Office hours<\/td>July 29, 2026<\/td>8:00 AM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Office hours<\/td>July 29, 2026<\/td>4:00 PM PT<\/td>Register here<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Educators: Join a global community of experts <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cheerful<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re 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\u2019ll connect with innovative educators worldwide, exchange ideas, strengthen your practice, and help shape the future of teaching and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to become a Microsoft Elevate Educator Expert <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. If you are new to the community, start by creating an account<\/strong><\/a>, completing your first training<\/strong><\/a>, and earning Explorer status<\/strong>. From there, you\u2019ll be ready to begin the advanced recognition application for Expert status. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Prepare your long-form answers<\/strong> with the Microsoft Elevate Educator Expert questions document<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Complete required learning<\/strong>: \n