Microsoft chooses 555 UK educators to lead innovation in the classroom

More than 500 educators from across the UK who use technology to help students learn have been named Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts.

A total of 555 educators have been recognised by the company for initiatives such as encouraging collaborative learning using Microsoft Teams, engaging students in coding using Minecraft: Education Edition, giving students an easy way to give peer feedback on assessed work using Microsoft Forms and enabling an inclusive classroom with accessibility tools in Microsoft Office.

Jasmine Vincent, from Skegness Junior Academy, is one of the new Experts. She has been using Teams, OneNote and Immersive Reader to support pupils with special educational needs or disabilities and has seen an accelerated impact on results. She is also using the technology to share resources, communicate with her classes and encourage students to collaborate using chat functionality. This has led to more collaborative, motivated pupils and less paper waste.

Many educators are using technology to create inclusive student-centred classrooms that improve learning outcomes. They are creating learning environments that encourage students to be independent, creative learners and build skills that will prepare them for the future.

Some of the Experts have used technology to overcome significant barriers to learning. Educators in Braeview Academy faced rebuilding their school after a fire. During the process Katie Gallacher, a teacher at the school, met up with her colleagues and trained them how to teach via Teams so students could continue learning while their school was closed.

Educators from across the industry have been recognised as innovators by Microsoft. Lecturers at universities are using Office 365 to improve accessibility and enable collaborative working.

Michael Shaw, at the University of Lincoln, has used the Learning Tools in Office to create learning resources in a variety of formats, adapting teaching to suit a range of needs and learning styles. Meanwhile, students are now able to tackle complex, real-life chemical calculations collaboratively by working together on live Excel documents.

Chris Rothwell, Director of Education at Microsoft UK, said: “We are delighted to announce the new class of Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Experts and are inspired by all the passionate educators across the world who are joining our team. The MIE Experts are an incredible community of educators who go above and beyond to help their students and their colleagues use Microsoft technology to improve outcomes for students and help staff work more effectively. If you, or an educator you know, would like to join the community, they can get involved here.”

There are now 9,600 Experts working in education around the world, who share best practice on how technology can be used to benefit students, save teaching time and improve the running of schools, colleges and universities.

Experts not only share the innovative ways in which they are using technology with peers locally, but also talk with world-leading educators, ensuring learnings are shared across the world.

As part of the programme, Microsoft will also offer the educators career and skills development. Educators will also provide feedback in forums and test new products before their general release.

If you’re an educator, or know a someone who might like to be an MIEE, you can find out more and begin the journey to becoming an Expert here.