Microsoft Corporation and the University of Rochester are cohosting a technology innovation program for trainers of K-12 educators, primarily from Upstate New York school districts, at the University of Rochester this week.

The training program from June 21 to 24 at the University’s Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development is focused on improving the skills of technology leaders, teachers, and teacher trainers and their access to and use of effective technology in kindergarten through 12th grade. More than 50 trainers are participating at no cost to attendees.

“It is important for us to pool resources to reach our shared goal of growing technological competency for K-12 in challenging economic times,” said David E. Lewis, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at the University, whose office facilitated the partnership. “Our community and the nation’s future depend on helping students at all levels.”

Technology training is in high demand by local school districts, say Microsoft officials, where tools, skills, and software are critical components of effective teaching and learning in the classroom.

The training participants represent the Rochester City School District, the Buffalo City School District, the Capital Region Information Center of BOCES, Erie #1 and #2 BOCES, Monroe #1 BOCES, and the American School of Tegucigalpa, Honduras.