Bring competitive gaming into the classroom with the Microsoft Education Esports Teacher Academy

It’s time to take game-based learning to the next level! 🎮

Esports is a way to connect and compete using multiplayer video games, and young people all over the world are excitedly engaging in this new arena. Just like any other sport, gamers build teams, join leagues, and take part in tournaments. Millions of fans around the world even watch superstar gamers compete head-to-head on the international stage. There are 2.5 billion gamers in the world, with 75% of families reporting to have at least one gamer in their household. Those numbers are only increasing!

At the same time, educators and school leaders are looking for ways to reach disengaged students with purposeful (and fun!) learning opportunities—particularly throughout the worldwide pandemic. Esports represents a unique opportunity to tie your learners’ passion for play to educational outcomes.

Beyond the inherent link between video games and STEM careers, like software development and game design, studies show that gaming and esports are associated with higher STEM identity for high school students, better focus and attention to regularity, increased persistence, relationship-building, and greater satisfaction in the classroom. As a result, many school districts are launching their own competitive gaming programs, and more than 200 higher education institutions already offer Esports scholarships.

That’s why we’re creating a new opportunity for educators who want to capture the excitement of Esports in the classroom. This August, Minecraft: Education Edition and Microsoft are partnering with the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) and the British Esports Association to launch the Microsoft Education Esports Teacher Academy.

This one-week virtual training runs August 16–20 and introduces educators to the principles of scholastic esports. The goal of the Academy is to empower schools to deliver inclusive and impactful programming with deep ties to curriculum and skill development. By the end of the course, you’ll have the key to implementing an Esports program at your school. Here’s what you can expect from the academy:

• Gain the knowledge and confidence to lead your own Esports program, tied to learning outcomes and future-ready skills for students.
• Get certified as a global Esports education leader and join a networked international community.
• Learn to play Minecraft: Education Edition and discover how to use this game-based learning platform to inspire students through Esports.

You’ll have the opportunity to join one of two cohorts: NASEF will lead educators in the Americas, while the British Esports Association will connect with teachers across Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the rest of the world. After completing the academy, you’ll receive your Esports Leader badge and gain access to an innovative community of educators through Microsoft Teams. With a full Esports toolkit and a community of peers from around the world in your corner, you’ll be ready to meet students where they play and unleash the power of play in the classroom.

Don’t miss your chance to support competition, community, and curriculum connections with competitive gaming. Register for the Microsoft Education Esports Teacher Academy now to secure your spot and join us virtually August 16–20. Get ready to help your students learn, play, compete, and thrive!