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The transformation in how we learn today is palpable in classrooms—from major cities to underserved regions. Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), brings new ways for teachers to prepare lesson plans, create assessments, and support students with special needs. However, as embodied in the spirit of Microsoft Elevate, change doesn’t happen by itself. Change is driven by teachers who are willing to try, experiment, and continue learning amidst their busy schedules.
On National Teacher’s Day, we are reminded that “heroes” are not only those on the big stage, but also the educators who show up in classrooms every day—from teachers in regular schools, special needs schools, to education advocates in underserved regions, who are now beginning to leverage AI to make learning more relevant and inclusive.
Through the Microsoft Elevate program, Microsoft together with various partners provides AI training for educators, nonprofit organization leaders, and community advocates throughout Indonesia. The program targets 500,000 AI-certified talents by 2026, with a focus on real-world practices in classrooms, communities, and public services—not just theory in training rooms.
Among the thousands of educators involved, the stories of these two teachers—Nuryam Gazi and Anis Damayanti—demonstrate how AI can become a “teaching partner” that helps them serve students better, without replacing the human touch of a teacher.
Nuryam Gazi – AI Agent for Teaching Modules in Underserved Region Schools
Wonosari, Gorontalo | Teacher & Digital Advocate in Educational Unit
For Nuryam Gazi, these days, a teacher’s job isn’t just teaching in the classroom, but also designing relevant and measurable learning: from preparing lesson plans, creating media, to developing assessments. In her school, located in an underserved region, access to technology is actually still limited. But it was precisely in these conditions that Nuryam saw AI as an opportunity, not an obstacle.
Through Microsoft Elevate training, Nuryam first became acquainted with Copilot and the concept of AI Agent. What started as mere curiosity gradually transformed into a new working habit.
“In the past, preparing teaching modules often took days. Now, I have a ‘friend’ who can help structure the initial framework, while I remain the one who determines the content, values, and context,” Nuryam shares.
One of the breakthroughs she created is an AI Agent called “Teaching Module Creator”. Through a simple interface, Nuryam input the agent name, objectives, and prompts that she developed from training materials. As a result, she can obtain teaching modules and assessment drafts which she then revises to align with student needs and the curriculum.
For Nuryam, AI is not a replacement for teachers, but rather a tool that makes the teaching preparation process lighter, so she can focus on what technology cannot replace: directly supporting students.
In her school, AI usage is still mostly done by teachers and administrative staff. Nuryam encourages colleagues in administration to try Copilot when preparing letters and administrative documents. “Usually when they see the results are neat and quick, colleagues become more enthusiastic. From there, conversations emerge, ‘Oh, so AI can help our daily work,'” she says.
Teachers in her area have also tried other AI tools to create homeroom teacher journals. However, since the free service that they used had limitations, their work suddenly got locked. From that experience, Nuryam became increasingly convinced that safe platforms that are updated with the latest sources are very important so teachers can work with peace of mind.
Another challenge lies in mindset. She often reminds fellow teachers not to spend two full days just preparing modules from scratch, when AI can help prepare the initial framework.
“AI helps us cut time on technical matters, but the content and direction of learning remain in the teacher’s hands. If the results aren’t quite right, it doesn’t mean failure. We just need to fix the prompt and adjust it again. We’re still the brain and heart behind it,” Nuryam emphasizes.
For Nuryam, this year’s National Teacher’s Day is not just about honoring teachers, but also an invitation to dare to step into new ways of teaching—without losing one’s identity as an educator.
Anis Damayanti – AI for Inclusive Education at Special Needs Schools
Malang, East Java | Principal of SLBS BCG Idayu 1
For more than two decades, Anis Damayanti has dedicated her life to supporting students with special needs. At the private special needs school (SLBS) BCG Idayu 1 Malang that she leads, every students’ small progress—from daring to speak, trying to write, to walking with more confidence—becomes a reason for her to continue persevering and innovating.
Amid a world that is increasingly digital, Anis sees AI as an opportunity to provide more inclusive education. According to her, digital literacy is no longer “additional”, but an important bridge so that children with special needs can access a wider window to the world.
Through AI training initiatives from Microsoft Elevate and programs facilitated by BINAR, Anis deepened her understanding of how AI can be used practically in the classroom. Not just introducing concepts, but ensuring students get hands-on experience using technology.
At her school, the learning approach is now designed by integrating elements of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Students are invited to explore simple coding platforms and pour out story ideas through generative AI. This way, they can express ideas that were previously difficult for them to convey in written form or manual drawings.
Most interestingly, Anis and her team also introduced assistive technology for visually impaired students, such as a “smart cane” with audio features. This cane helps them navigate their environment with more confidence. The use of AI-based screen readers also accompanies visually and hearing-impaired students in accessing literacy more independently, transforming limitations into boundless learning opportunities.
“Children with special needs must no longer be left behind in the AI era. Teachers must also play an active role. Thanks to AI, we not only help students express themselves and learn independently, but also transform the way we teach,” says Anis.
The impact is felt in the classroom atmosphere. Teachers report that students are more focused and enthusiastic in participating in learning activities. Changes are visible not only in academic abilities, but also in behavior and courage to participate. Technology does not replace human interaction, but rather enriches the way teachers and students communicate.
For Anis, AI is a bridge—connecting students with literacy, creativity, and independence, while helping teachers reduce physical and social barriers in the learning environment for people with disabilities.
Teachers as Heroes in the AI Era: From Classrooms to Indonesia’s Future
The stories of Nuryam and Anis show one common thread: AI becomes beneficial when used by teachers who care, want to learn, and dare to try new things for their students. In their hands, AI is not just technology, but a tool to:
- Save time on administrative tasks, so teachers can be more present for students.
- Design learning and assessments that are more relevant and measurable.
- Open access to education for students with special needs.
- Transform the feeling of “fear of technology” into a shared learning space for teachers, administrative staff, and students.
Through Microsoft Elevate, Microsoft and partners provide training that focuses on practice—40 percent theory, 60 percent practice—using Copilot, Minecraft Education, and various other platforms designed so teachers can leverage technology directly in classrooms and communities. The program runs together with the government, nonprofit organizations, and local communities so its benefits reach all of Indonesia, including underserved regions.
“This year’s National Teacher’s Day momentum reminds us that Indonesia’s digital future is not only determined by technological advancement, but by who shapes it. With the right AI skills mastery, teachers will continue to be heroes who prepare generations to compete in the global world and create innovative solutions that transform the future,” says Arief Suseno, AI Skills Director, Microsoft Indonesia.
If you are an educator, community leader, or education advocate who wants to develop AI skills and apply them in your environment, you can join the Microsoft Elevate program and become part of the “Move Forward, Create Impact” movement for Indonesia.
Register now through edukator.elevaite.id (for teachers), and start your journey as a hero for Indonesia’s education in the AI era.
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Nuryam Gazi (left) and Anis Damayanti (right), education heroes in the AI era who work and innovate through AI for the advancement of education