**Eligibility Requirements for First-Time Nomination and Renewal of the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Badge (2025-2026)**

1. First-Time Nomination Period & Application Method:

• Open for self-nominations from May 9 (or 8) to July 31, 2025. 

Submit via the official nomination form in the Microsoft Educator Center.

Required Foundations:

Active profile on Microsoft Learn; include URL in nomination form. 

Completion of key learning paths:

Microsoft Educator Academy

  AI for Educators
  
     Reading Coach (fluency module)
     
        Cybersecurity resilience in K‑12 
        

Demonstrated Use of Microsoft Tools:

Consistent, practical use of at least 2 core Microsoft tools (e.g., Teams, OneNote, Forms, Flip, Minecraft: Education) to enhance collaboration, creativity, and student engagement. 

Evidence & Reflection:

Submit a portfolio or documented evidence (lesson plans, student artifacts, videos) showcasing innovative teaching practices using Microsoft tools. 

Provide thoughtful reflection on how integration of these tools impacted student learning and how you champion peer learning or inclusive pedagogy. 

Professional Engagement & Leadership:

Exhibit leadership in your school/community through coaching, mentoring, public presentations (webinars, conferences, social media). 

Embrace a growth mindset, model resilience, and integrate AI responsibly in teaching practices.

1. First-Time Nomination Period & Application Method:

Open for self-nominations from May 9 (or 8) to July 31, 2025.  

Submit via the official nomination form in the Microsoft Educator Center.

Required Foundations:

Active profile on Microsoft Learn; include URL in nomination form.  

Completion of key learning paths:

Microsoft Educator Academy

  AI for Educators
  
     Reading Coach (fluency module)
     
        Cybersecurity resilience in K‑12  
        

Demonstrated Use of Microsoft Tools:

Consistent, practical use of at least 2 core Microsoft tools (e.g., Teams, OneNote, Forms, Flip, Minecraft: Education) to enhance collaboration, creativity, and student engagement.  

Evidence & Reflection:

Submit a portfolio or documented evidence (lesson plans, student artifacts, videos) showcasing innovative teaching practices using Microsoft tools.  

Provide thoughtful reflection on how integration of these tools impacted student learning and how you champion peer learning or inclusive pedagogy.  

Professional Engagement & Leadership:

Exhibit leadership in your school/community through coaching, mentoring, public presentations (webinars, conferences, social media).  

Embrace a growth mindset, model resilience, and integrate AI responsibly in teaching practices.