Microsoft is making a fresh push into education, rolling out free AI tools, training, and premium software for teachers and students as schools worldwide grapple with how to use AI responsibly in the classroom.
The software giant on Jan. 15 announced a broad set of education-focused AI programs and tools under a new initiative called Microsoft Elevate for Educators. The move brings together free professional development for teachers, AI-powered classroom tools, and limited-time access to premium software for eligible college students.
Microsoft says the goal is to ensure schools, educators, and learners are not left behind as AI becomes a bigger part of daily life. According to the company, the new offerings are designed to be secure, education-specific, and easy to use, while helping teachers save time and focus more on students.
Free AI training and credentials for educators
Under Elevate for Educators, teachers and administrators can access free AI-focused professional development, including self-paced courses, live sessions, and simulations available in more than 13 languages through Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator.
Microsoft is also rolling out a new Elevate for Educators Credential, developed with ISTE+ASCD and aligned with AI literacy standards. The company says the credential is designed to help educators prove their skills and, in some regions, support career advancement.
New global educator communities for K-12 schools are also part of the package, offering year-round membership, shared resources, and recognition for school systems that support educator growth.
AI tools built for the classroom
Microsoft is also expanding education-focused AI tools inside Microsoft 365 Copilot, many of which are available at no additional cost to Microsoft 365 Education customers.
One of the key additions is Teach, an AI assistant now built into the Copilot app. It helps educators create lesson plans, quizzes, and rubrics, and adapt materials to different reading levels and learning needs.
For schools using Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is introducing Learning Zone, a Windows app that uses on-device AI to create interactive learning activities. The app draws on content from partners such as NASA, PBS NewsHour, the Nobel Peace Center, World Wildlife Fund, and Minecraft Education.
A learning companion for students
For students aged 13 and older, Microsoft is introducing the Study and Learn Agent, an AI-powered tool built around learning science principles.
The agent is designed to help students understand concepts, practice skills, and study independently, with features such as guided exercises, flashcards, and quizzes. Microsoft positions it as a learning companion rather than a shortcut for generating answers.
In higher education, Microsoft is offering eligible students a limited-time 12-month free bundle of Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career.
The company says the offer is meant to support both academic work and career preparation, from writing papers and organizing notes to building résumés and applying for jobs.
However, AI in schools remains a controversial topic. The announcements come as schools are still figuring out their relationship with AI, which had a “rocky rollout” from initial bans to cautious adoption, as noted by Axios. Microsoft’s play is to position its tools as responsible aids that amplify, not replace, the teacher.
While the tools are free for many, the broader push is part of Microsoft’s strategy to weave its technology into the future of education.
Related: Microsoft is also expanding Copilot beyond the classroom, with new AI-powered shopping features that bring price comparisons and product discovery into Checkout.