Back-to-school season is more than a calendar milestone—it’s a moment of anticipation, reflection, and opportunity. For educators, administrators, and staff, it’s a time to reconnect with purpose, reimagine what’s possible, and prepare to meet the evolving needs of students. But it’s also a time of complexity. Rising demands, limited time, and rapid technological change are reshaping education in real time.
At Microsoft Education, we believe AI in education is more than a technological shift—it’s a human opportunity. It’s a chance to empower inclusive, student-centered learning and help educators reclaim time for what matters most: creating impactful learning experiences for all.
Getting started with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Chat, and AI-powered tools can be easy—and we’re here to support your journey with ideas, resources, and real-world examples to help you build confidence along the way.
1. Streamline your day with Copilot Chat
Educators and education leaders have a wide range of responsibilities—from instructional planning to strategic communications. Copilot Chat is designed to help you simplify those tasks with secure, AI-powered chat.
Not sure where to start? Here are ways to use Copilot Chat to assist you with everyday tasks:
- Create and differentiate lesson plans based on grade level, learning preferences, language needs, or curriculum goals.
- Design rubrics and formative assessments aligned to educational standards.
- Translate Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodation justifications into plain language to help parents and caregivers understand complex concepts.
- Brainstorm ideas and build assets like agendas, communication strategies, and social media flyers for school events.
- Draft professional communications in multiple formats to keep faculty, staff, families, and school communities informed.
- Build onboarding guides and professional learning agendas to support staff transitions and skill-building goals.
- Write grant proposals and board presentations using clear, structured language for diverse audiences.
Whether you’re personalizing instruction, communicating with stakeholders, or rolling out new technology, Copilot Chat offers ways to reclaim your time and integrate AI into your daily workflow.
2. Empower teen students with Copilot Chat
Copilot Chat is available for students aged 13 and older, opening new opportunities for learning, creativity, and support in and beyond the classroom. With thoughtful implementation, you can empower students to explore ideas, ask questions, and build confidence using AI as a thought partner.
With clear guardrails and intentional integration, Copilot Chat can also support critical thinking, digital literacy, and curiosity—skills that are increasingly valuable in both academic and professional settings. By guiding students in responsible AI use, you can help prepare them to navigate a digital world with confidence.
3. Personalize learning with AI-powered Learning Accelerators
Every student learns differently. Microsoft Learning Accelerators bring AI-powered support into the classroom, helping you deliver more personalized learning experiences. These tools are designed to strengthen foundational skills—such as reading fluency and math proficiency—and promote future-ready skills. They also help simplify lesson planning and offer real-time coaching and feedback to support both teaching and learning.
Reading Progress, Reading Coach, Math Progress, Speaker Coach, and more are seamlessly integrated into Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams for Education, helping you and your students get started quickly. Learning Accelerators offer insights and data visualizations to track progress at both the student and class level—helping to make it easier for you to tailor your instruction to individual needs.
4. Build AI confidence with educator resources
With the right guidance, you can try new tools, build confidence, and use AI in ways that benefit you and your students. Use these free resources designed to support your growth and foster successful outcomes for everyone:
- Microsoft Education AI Toolkit – Get practical guidance on responsible AI use, implementation strategies, and professional learning. The AI Toolkit is designed to help K-20 educators, IT leaders, and decision-makers build confidence and clarity around AI use in education.
- Microsoft Education Resource Center – Explore a curated collection of flexible, easy-to-use technology quick start guides, how-tos, and expert tips to support your next steps with AI. Whether you’re building AI literacy, getting started with AI-powered tools, or scaling adoption, these resources can help turn momentum into meaningful progress.
- Microsoft Learn Educator Center – As part of Microsoft Elevate, we’re putting people first—equipping educators with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI through professional development and training that prepares them to lead in a changing world.
5. Learn from schools innovating with AI
Across the world, schools and institutions are using Microsoft AI tools to reimagine learning, teaching, and operations. These real-world examples show how AI can support transformative change—helping education professionals individualize instruction, reclaim time, and operate more efficiently:
- Fulton County Schools, Georgia, in the United States, uses Copilot Chat to empower teen students, streamline lesson planning, and enhance collaboration.
- Education University of Hong Kong Jockey Club Primary School (EdUJCPS), in Hong Kong, developed chatbots and AI assistants that personalize educational materials.
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, in Monterrey, Mexico, created TECgpt, an AI-powered ecosystem built on Azure OpenAI Service, to transform learning experiences.
- Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, in the United States, uses Microsoft 365 Copilot to prepare students with career readiness skills.
What’s next: Enhancing instruction with AI innovation
Microsoft Learning Zone is now available in public preview—a free, AI-powered learning app built for educators to create personalized, adaptive learning experiences.1 Launching on Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft Surface, and across the Windows ecosystem, this hub combines AI innovation, learning science, and educator feedback to support professional growth.
Microsoft Learning Zone offers tools for lesson creation, customizable learning goals, and data-driven insights to help boost student engagement. Learn more about Microsoft Learning Zone and explore updates to other Microsoft Education tools on the Tech Community blog.
Here to help you thrive with AI
A new academic year marks a fresh chapter—an opportunity to refocus, explore new possibilities, and prepare to meet the changing needs of students. Educators lead this journey with dedication and impact, and we’re committed to supporting your work through innovative tools that help make learning more engaging and outcomes more meaningful. Together, we can elevate education and empower every student to participate in the opportunity of AI.
1 Microsoft Learning Zone is available with a Copilot+ PC and Microsoft Education license (A1, A3, A5). Initial availability will be English only.
