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Apply to Apple Distinguished Educator

Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2026 applications are now open for select member countries for a limited time. Apply now

Become an Apple Distinguished Educator.

For 30 years, the Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) program has recognized educators from around the world using Apple technology to transform teaching and learning. As pioneers in education, Apple Distinguished Educators are advisors, authors, ambassadors, and advocates looking to change the world. They’re active leaders helping other educators rethink what’s possible with iPad and Mac to make learning deeply personal for every student.

If you’re interested in applying for the Apple Distinguished Educator program, learn about the process below, review the application for specific requirements, and submit your application by the deadline.

Get ready to apply.

Plan your application video.

Innovative educators have amazing stories of how they transform learning — impacting the lives of their students and peers for the better. Your application video will bring your professional story to life. Your two-minute video should capture the three themes below:

  1. Transforming Your Learning Environment

    Share how you’ve transformed your learning environment to engage learners. How have Apple products uniquely helped you achieve your learning goals?

  2. Evidence of Your Success

    Share data or new learnings that provide evidence of the impact you’re making. Highlight examples of student work or innovative strategies.

  3. Extending Your Reach

    How have you extended the reach of your professional work beyond your own classroom, campus, or community to empower other educators? Are there presentations, published content, or interactions on social media that show your leadership among your peers?

Video submission criteria:

Your application video can be as simple or elaborate as you want — we’ll leave the creativity up to you — and should be created using an iPhone, iPad, and/or Mac. Include imagery of yourself demonstrating the themes mentioned above, and narrate your story while avoiding “talking head” footage. Only use images, music, artwork, etc. that you have permission to share, and avoid copyright‑protected content.

Your video should be no longer than two minutes, including any introductions or closing credits. Application videos that are more than two minutes will be rejected. Video files should be less than 200 MB. Acceptable video formats include: .mov, .mp4, or .m4v.

Details on other submission requirements are outlined in the application. Please review these requirements before completing your video submission.

Become a recognized Apple Teacher.

We encourage Apple Distinguished Educator applicants to earn their Apple Teacher recognition.*(See footnote.)

Apple Teacher is a professional learning program designed to support educators as they build foundational skills on iPad and Mac, and use Apple apps to enhance their learning environments. After passing six interactive quizzes, on either iPad or Mac, you’ll earn your Apple Teacher recognition.

Begin your Apple Teacher Journey today

A portfolio is a great way to curate and showcase your body of work as you integrate creativity into the lessons you teach every day. You’ll have the option to share your Apple Teacher Portfolio* with your ADE application submission.

Apple Teacher Portfolio

Footnote: Provided the Apple Teacher program is available in your country or region and language of fluency.

Find your country or region.

Confirm that the Apple Distinguished Educator program is available in your area. Current participating countries and regions include:

Plan to attend ADE orientation events.

Once accepted into the Apple Distinguished Educator program, new members will have the opportunity to join a program orientation and professional learning experiences with other Apple Distinguished Educators.

Apply now.

Thank you for your interest in applying to the Apple Distinguished Educator program. Applicants must be employed by a public or private school, college, university, or non‑profit agency/organization. To avoid conflicts of interest, school superintendents, college or university presidents, and other top‑level leaders of organizations are not eligible for membership given their official roles for purchasing decisions.

The Class of 2026 application period is focused on growing ADE membership in the following countries:

The Americas

Brazil, Canada, Mexico, United States

Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom

Asia Pacific

Australia, China mainland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

Start your ADE Application (Americas)
Start your ADE Application (EMEA)
Start your ADE Application (Asia Pacific)