Across the globe, education systems are struggling to keep pace with evolving technology and workforce demands. Pearson’s report reveals that inefficient transitions from education to employment are costing economies trillions. This growing economic strain, paired with the widening skills gap, is driving educators, institutions, and governments to rethink how to foster more effective learning for faster skill development and clearer career pathways.
One country actively addressing this challenge is the Republic of Azerbaijan, through its Ministry of Science and Education (MOSE). MOSE’s mission is threefold:
- Enhance the quality of education and research
- Align with international standards
- Foster innovation throughout the education system
As the Ministry worked to help schools evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, it identified a critical gap: many educators lacked the skills and confidence needed to effectively integrate technology into their teaching.
The challenge: A growing digital divide in education
MOSE recognized that while digital tools were increasingly available to institutions, their impact was limited by the skills gap many educators faced.
“Educators lacked standardized, internationally recognized training in using digital tools effectively,” said Aytaj Ismayilli, an educator in Azerbaijan. “There was a need for structured development to enhance both teaching quality and student engagement.”
Educators struggled to create interactive, technology-rich learning environments. Without a clear framework or consistent training, the digital transformation of classrooms remained unsustainable.
The solution: A national strategy for teaching excellence
To address this challenge, MOSE launched a pilot program in partnership with Microsoft and JVIDÊÓƵ, centered on the Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) initiative. The program was designed not just to teach educators how to use technology, but to transform their teaching through 21st-century skills, digital fluency, and globally recognized certification.
“The MCE program was chosen to bridge the digital skills gap among educators and prepare teachers for hybrid education models,” said Vusal Khanlarov, Head of the Bureau on ICT for Education. “It aligns with our strategic objectives for digital transformation in education.”
MOSE’s approach to the program focused on five key goals:
- Enhance digital pedagogy: Equip educators with the skills to effectively integrate technology into teaching using Microsoft’s educational tools.
- Promote 21st century learning design: Develop competencies such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the use of ICT for learning.
- Prepare for industry-recognized certification: Support teachers in successfully passing the MCE certification exam, validating their skills against a global standard.
- Improve teaching outcomes: Raise the overall quality of digital education and student engagement by empowering teachers with modern methods.
- Ensure program sustainability: Align teacher training curricula (e.g., “ICT in Education” courses) with MCE standards for long-term integration in universities.
To prioritize accessibility and localization of the MCE program, MOSE translated Microsoft’s “21st Century Learning Design” curriculum into Azerbaijani in partnership with Innovative Technologies in Education (ITE), Baku Design Academy (BDA), as well as Microsoft. As Microsoft Global Training Partner ITE supported the translation process, adapted the materials for local context, and helped manage trainings, logistics, ensuring a smooth implementation.
“We are honored to support the pilot rollout of the MCE program with our partners. This initiative has enabled over 5,000 educators in Azerbaijan to earn globally recognized certification,” said Aysel Gulmammadova, Founder and Managing Director of Baku Design Academy . “At Baku Design Academy, we are dedicated to advancing teachers’ professional development by promoting international standards in education, which we believe is key to improving quality and creating long-term impact.”
MOSE also partnered closely with JVIDÊÓƵ to establish a national infrastructure to support certification, including the creation of an authorized JVIDÊÓƵ Authorized Testing Center.
From there, the Ministry focused on the widespread implementation of the certification program, reaching over 670 schools nationwide. More than 5,000 teachers participated in the initiative, supported by 80 certified trainers across 25 regions. The program also expanded into higher education, including integration at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University.
The transformation: Empowered educators, engaged students
Now in its third year, the program has been supported by MOSE, Microsoft, JVIDÊÓƵ, and the Innovative Technologies in Education Training Center, with educators trained in preparation for MCE certification. It has significantly enhanced teaching quality and professional growth for educators across Azerbaijan.
“Teachers who obtain the Microsoft Certified Educator certification are well-equipped to use modern educational technologies. This not only prepares them for the demands of today’s education sector but also increases their employability,” said Ragsana Hagverdiyeva, an MCE-certified educator. “After the certification, teachers can apply effective and innovative teaching methods, which has a positive impact on their careers.”
Certified teachers report increased confidence in using technology, designing interactive lessons, and engaging students through digital tools. This has led to improved student motivation and participation in the classroom. It has also opened doors to new career opportunities, with many educators participating in international training programs and advancing their professional development.
“As a trainer, the most rewarding part of the program is seeing teachers apply what they’ve learned—identifying relevant scenarios for their subjects, creating new ones, and using this insight to plan more effective lessons,” said Konul Aliyeva, an MCE trainer.
The program has also laid the foundation for long-term change, raising teaching standards nationwide. University curricula are being aligned with MCE standards, and certified educators are now exploring additional certification opportunities, such as Microsoft Office Specialist.
Looking ahead: A model for national transformation
The success of the MCE program is a story of empowered educators and a blueprint for systemic change. By addressing a clear problem with a strategic, scalable solution, Azerbaijan has raised teaching standards, improved digital infrastructure, and gained international recognition for its educational reforms.
“The certification and training program significantly enhanced the professional capacity of educators, aligning teaching practices with international standards and strengthening digital literacy across the education system,” said Vusal Khanlarov, Head of the Bureau on ICT for Education under MOSE. “It directly supports the strategic goal of modernizing education by fostering a culture of digital competence and innovation among teachers, thereby improving the overall quality and effectiveness of instruction.”
For other countries considering similar initiatives, the advice is clear: start with the problem. Next, understand your educators’ needs. Then, build a solution that empowers them to thrive in a digital world.
To learn more about the Microsoft Certified Educator certification program, please visit: .