Post by Kimberly Niebauer

I recently returned from BettUK26, where conversations with educators worldwide reinforced the power of community. It was an honor to speak on a Microsoft Education panel, and it truly made me feel seen and valued as a classroom educator. I’m a classroom teacher first and always, so being invited to share my thoughts and experiences on a global stage meant a lot. The Microsoft Elevate Educator Community has been incredibly welcoming and was a turning point for my career. I shared how isolation gave way to opportunity including stepping into a part‑time Learning Partner role with Phygital Labs. Afterward, another educator told me my words gave him goosebumps; I was deeply moved and reminded of the power of connection. The Minecraft Education booth felt like a pinch‑me moment. I stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Minecraft Education Ambassadors who’ve inspired my practice from afar; meeting them in person and collaborating in real time left me genuinely excited. Equally energizing were the conversations with educators from around the world who are using or interested in learning more about Minecraft Education to spark creativity, engagement, critical thinking, and collaboration. I was proud to share Duval County Public Schools’ initiatives and how my class uses Minecraft Education across subjects, right now with an AI literacy focus. I’m excited to explore the latest Copilot updates I saw modeled at Bett: Teach, flashcards and quizzes, and the preview of the Study and Learn agent. Most of all, Bett reaffirmed that relationships come first. The best tech works because we listen, share, and build together. Thank you to Duval County Public Schools and the CTE department for supporting this learning and for championing opportunities that elevate our students and teachers. If we connected at Bett (or if you’re curious about any of this), let’s keep the conversation going. Keisha Jackson, M.A. Dan Noble Michael Barrett Wesly Raymaekers Steven Juchtmans Sally Hodgson Bram Wulteputte Luigi Belli Fabrizio La Rosa Gema Carvia-Meadows Beverley-Kim Bailey Margaret R. #Bett2026 #BettUK2026 #MicrosoftEDU #ElevateEducators #MinecraftEDU #GiftedEducation #AIinEducation