It’s almost time for educators in the northern hemisphere to take a well-deserved break and replenish their energy and joy! We know that many of you embrace this opportunity to explore new things, so we’ve curated a list of exciting learning experiences to inspire you this summer.
These free, flexible professional development resources for teachers allow you to move at your own pace and can be accessed anytime, anywhere. With tools like Microsoft Copilot, Reading Progress and Reading Coach, and Minecraft Education, you won’t just keep up with educational trends—you’ll stay ahead.
Let curiosity be your guide this summer! If you’re not preparing for summer break yet, save this page for later and come back when you want to explore professional development options.
Expand your AI knowledge
Feeling overwhelmed by the buzz around AI? We have resources to help teachers learn about AI this summer.
Get started with our AI for educators learning path to learn about essential AI concepts and applications for your classroom.
- Our AI for educators learning path is a great place to start. It offers modules that break down essential AI concepts and showcase real-world applications that can enrich your classroom. From automating routine tasks to supporting personalized learning, you’ll discover practical and interesting ways to integrate AI into teaching and learning with tools like Copilot.
- Pick your own AI path at the Microsoft Learn Educator Center to discover more advanced applications of AI in teaching and learning. With training, toolkits, videos, and more, you’ll explore a variety of learning opportunities designed for teachers to help you integrate AI-powered tools in your classroom.
- Amp up your AI literacy with Smart learning: AI resources every educator should know. You’ll explore 11 resources you can use to support your own learning, enhance your professional development, and help prepare your students for a future where AI will be a fundamental part of many professions.
Learn how to use Reading Progress and Reading Coach to boost reading fluency
Boost your students’ reading fluency with two Learning Accelerators from Microsoft Education. Learn how to use Reading Progress and Reading Coach and discover how these tools can help to unleash your students’ full potential.
Educator view of the generate custom passage feature in Reading Progress.
- Kickstart your learning journey with our Reading Progress and Reading Coach guide for educators. Explore how Reading Progress and Reading Coach tailor support to every student’s needs.
- The Support reading fluency practice with Reading Progress training module on Microsoft Learn will help you get started using this tool. Learn how to create assignments for different reading levels and how to get detailed insights into both individual and class-wide progress that can empower you to make informed decisions and customize your teaching strategies.
- The Build reading fluency with Reading Coach training module on Microsoft Learn will help you understand how to access and use Reading Coach. Learn how to describe the core reading functionality of the tool, and how to best use the different reading modes to support your students’ reading fluency.
Explore the intersection of learning and play with Minecraft Education
Harness the power of play in learning with Minecraft Education. Use this summer learning period to explore how to use Minecraft Education in the classroom.
Venture through time to create helpful AI-powered inventions in Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI. Use problem solving, creativity, and computational thinking along with the principles of responsible AI.
- New to Minecraft Education? Start your professional development journey this summer with the Minecraft Education: Teacher Academy. Explore how to use Minecraft as a teaching and learning tool. After completing this learning path, you’ll become a Minecraft Certified Teacher and receive the badge and an invitation to join the Minecraft Certified Teacher community.
- Are you already a seasoned Minecraft educator? Take your summer learning to the next level with Copilot. Explore the Minecraft Prompt Lab for Educators to find sample prompts to craft personalized lesson plans and assessments that align perfectly with your class’s needs, curriculum standards, and educational goals.
- Dive into Minecraft Hour of Code: Generation AI, open to everyone aged 7 and up! This exciting experience sets the stage for fun, foundational learning in computer science, and AI creation. Learn how to enhance your classroom with creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking with student-created AI-powered projects.
Embark on a flexible learning adventure this summer and find tools and resources to feel inspired and level up your teaching skills. To explore other topics you’re interested in, check out the Microsoft Learn Education Center where you can earn professional development hours, acquire certifications, and find programs that help meet your teaching goals.
From all of us at Microsoft Education, have a wonderful summer!
