Embracing Collaboration and Innovation in Education
NCCE recently participated in Microsoft’s Global Training Partner Summit—a vibrant gathering uniting education leaders, innovators, and partners from all over the world. Held in Bellevue, Washington, this summit was a fantastic opportunity for partners to learn from global experts, share ideas, and discover new ways to enrich classrooms.
Summit Highlights
Partners engaged in lively discussions on the latest trends in educational technology, explored creative strategies for supporting students and teachers, and built meaningful connections with other dedicated professionals. The energy was contagious—everyone was committed to advancing education and inspiring lifelong learning.
A standout feature of the summit was the incredible partner collaboration with Microsoft Education Teams supporting education leaders with AI readiness and policy. We participated in thought-provoking sessions with the Microsoft Elevate team, who shared innovative approaches to professional learning and AI integration. The Minecraft Education team inspired us with creative ways to bring game-based learning and AI literacy into classrooms, making education more engaging and interactive for students of all ages.
During the event, we also connected with a diverse group of global partners, all united by a common goal: helping educators, students, and districts thrive. Special shout-out to Willow Copilot working to reduce costs for Broward County and enabling funding for partners such as NCCE to provide AI professional learning for educators in Broward County, working together to expand the implementation of the largest deployment of Copilot licenses in K-12.
Learn More & Free Resources
- Microsoft Elevate: Explore free, flexible AI learning paths and certifications for educators and students. Visit the Microsoft Elevate site for resources, professional development, and the AI Skills Navigator. You’ll find educator training, student learning tools, and ways to earn credentials that open doors in today’s workforce.
- Minecraft Education AI Foundations: Build digital skills and AI literacy with engaging lessons and immersive worlds. Students that can’t quite use AI by themselves no worries check out Minecraft Education’s AI Foundations for curriculum guides, educator training, and student activities. Try the Hour of AI for a hands-on introduction to AI concepts in a fun, game-based environment.
- Prodigy Learning & AI Ready Skills: Prodigy Learning, in partnership with Minecraft Education, offers the AI Ready Skills credential program—now available for free to Washington State schools. Students can earn certificates and digital badges by completing immersive AI lessons in Minecraft. Educators can also access free professional development and certification. Learn more and sign up at aireadyskills.com/WA or at aireadyskills.com outside of Washington.
Why This Matters
By collaborating with Microsoft and global partners, we’re better equipped to create engaging learning environments and foster success for every student. As Microsoft works to prepare individuals and organizations for the AI powered economy by setting goals such as 20 million people trained to use AI in the next two years. The summit’s focus on innovation and partnership aligns perfectly with NCCE’s mission to support educators and inspire lifelong learning knowing that these skills will be essential to thrive.
Looking Ahead
Just as autumn brings vibrant change to our surroundings, the experiences and insights from the Global Training Partner Summit inspire us to embrace transformation in our classrooms. Like the fall leaves, we’re ready to let go of old routines and welcome new, innovative practices that help our students and educators thrive.
Thank you to our wonderful educators and NCCE partnerships for your ongoing support of education!
Let’s continue to grow, share, and uplift each other—our journey in education is always brighter together!
Would you like to add a spotlight on a specific educator or student experience from the summit? Or highlight a particular lesson or resource?
Let us know at https://ncce.org/contact/.