The Microsoft in Education Global Forum taking place in Redmond, Washington in March 2015. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be recognised as a Microsoft Innovative Educator, join the Microsoft Educator Network and upload a learning activity that demonstrates how you are using 21st century teaching practices in your classroom by 24 October 2014. See 

 Microsoft believes that technology alone cannot build 21st century skills  for students.  Technology is an accelerator, but alone it does not enable  change. Microsoft believes  in the power of the educator, and the impact  educators can have when they are  brought together and recognized for their achievements.

Microsoft offers engagement opportunities aimed at empowering educators like you effectively use technology to develop your students’ 21stcentury skills. Join over a million educators, helping over 190 million students in over 200 countries who are shaping the future of education by becoming a Microsoft Innovative Educator – Expert (MiE – Expert). 

As some of the world’s most innovative educators, MIE Experts advance the conversation about improving student outcomes through innovative uses of technology in teaching and learning. Participants of the program can expect:

• Free Microsoft tools and technology
• Exclusive professional development opportunities
• To develop your personal “brand” and career as a thought leader by participating in case studies, speaking engagements and content development
• Eligibility to earn an all-expense paid trip to the Microsoft in Education Global Forum in Redmond, Washington in March 2015.

As an MiE – Expert your role in the Community will be to:

• Build educator capacity for using technology in teaching and learning to improve student learning
• Advise Microsoft and education institutions on how to integrate technology in pedagogically sound ways
• Be an advocate at conferences, events and trainings for how Microsoft technology can improve learning

Get started with four easy steps

Step One: Review program commitment

Your commitment as a MIE Expert is to be an advocate for using Microsoft technology to improve student learning. In a year, MIE Experts typically:

• Attend 8-10 webinars to learn about and give feedback on new technologies and education concepts
• Build educator capacity in your community (school, district or at training events) by training or coaching educators and inviting them to join the Microsoft Educator Network (educators at your school and/or 200 others)
• Develop your own capacity as a thought leader:
  –Speak at 2 or more conferences
  –Regularly contribute to social media such as Face book and Twitter referencing #MSFTEDU
  –Author one blog every quarter referencing Free Tools or Hot Topics blogs on MSEN
  –Participate in at least 4 teach meets showcasing Microsoft technology

Step Two: Join the Microsoft Educator Network (MSEN)

Join the Microsoft Educator Network and fully complete your profile

Step Three: Submit a learning activity

Submit a learning activity. Learning activities are typically a project-based or inquiry-based activities that exemplify the use of 21^st century teaching practices. The best past learning activities have included references to the 21st Century Learning Design rubrics, included examples of students’ work, and a video explaining the learning activity. All learning activities should be submitted in English to apply to become a MIE Expert. See learning activities from MIE Experts.

Step Four: Send an email to meaexp@microsoft.com with a link to your profile  on the Microsoft Educator Network and a link to your Learning Activity, and complete the online form found at http://1drv.ms/1qvP8sc before 15 October, 2014.