Empowering Educators: Inside the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship for 2026-27
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping the landscape of K-12 education. To ensure that those who work directly with students lead this transformation, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship provides a platform for educators and school leaders to share real-world stories on EdSurge. This program amplifies first-person essays and multimedia content, spotlighting innovative practices that define the future of learning. The 2026-27 cohort, announced by the program editor, includes six exceptional educators committed to guiding their communities through change. Below, we explore the fellowship’s mission, selection process, and the impact of its newest fellows.
What is the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship and what is its mission?
The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship is a unique professional development program designed to empower K-12 educators and school leaders. Its core mission is to place the people closest to the classroom at the center of the conversation about instructional innovation. Through the fellowship, participants publish first-person stories and multimedia pieces on EdSurge, sharing how they navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by AI and technology. By elevating these authentic voices, the program aims to influence district policies, teaching practices, and the broader edtech ecosystem. The fellowship also fosters a collaborative community where fellows can exchange ideas and support one another in reimagining roles, systems, and instructional approaches.
How does the fellowship empower educators to lead conversations about AI and technology in education?
The fellowship provides a structured platform for educators to share their expertise publicly. Fellows are encouraged to write essays, create videos, or produce other multimedia content that documents their experiences implementing AI tools, redesigning curricula, or rethinking student assessments. This content is published on EdSurge, a leading education news outlet, giving fellows a national audience. They also receive coaching and editorial support to refine their storytelling skills. By amplifying these voices, the fellowship ensures that practical, classroom-tested insights—rather than top-down mandates—guide the national dialogue on technology in education. Additionally, fellows participate in virtual networking events and exclusive workshops that deepen their understanding of emerging trends.
What was the application process for the 2026-27 cohort like, and what did organizers learn?
The application process sought educators who are already guiding their communities toward innovative practices that will define the future of learning. Organizers reviewed countless applicants who demonstrated a commitment to reimagining instructional models and leveraging AI responsibly. A key takeaway from the process was the breadth of creative solutions emerging from classrooms across the country. Applicants described projects involving personalized learning powered by AI, new digital citizenship frameworks, and collaborative systems that blend technology with human-centered teaching. The volume and quality of applications reinforced the program’s belief that educators are best positioned to lead change. The six fellows selected for the 2026-27 cohort represent a diverse range of perspectives, grade levels, and school contexts.
Who are the 2026-27 fellows and how will they share their expertise?
This year’s cohort consists of six exceptional educators who will serve as Voices of Change Fellows throughout the 2026-27 academic year. While their specific names were not disclosed in the announcement, the program editor described them as visionary leaders already reshaping teaching and learning in their schools. Over the coming months, each fellow will contribute a series of articles and multimedia stories on EdSurge, focusing on topics such as AI integration, equity in edtech, and redefining teacher roles. Their work will appear alongside the essays of previous cohorts, creating a growing library of practitioner-driven insights. Readers can follow their journeys by visiting the Voices of Change page.
Why is this fellowship important for the future of teaching and learning?
As AI and digital tools rapidly evolve, schools must adapt their instructional approaches, roles, and systems to prepare students for tomorrow. The Voices of Change Fellowship is crucial because it ensures that classroom reality shapes the conversation, not just policy documents or vendor pitches. By centering educator narratives, the program helps other teachers see what’s possible and learn from tested strategies. The fellowship also models a decentralized approach to innovation, where ideas rise from the ground up. In an era of constant technological disruption, providing a platform for authentic voices fosters trust, collaboration, and practical solutions that can be scaled across districts. It ultimately empowers educators to become confident leaders of their own professional evolution.
How can educators and school leaders get involved or learn from the fellows?
Educators and school leaders can engage with the fellowship in several ways. First, they can read the Fellows’ published work on EdSurge by following the Voices of Change series—each article includes actionable takeaways and reflections. Second, the program often hosts webinars and live Q&A sessions where current fellows discuss their experiences; these are announced on the ISTE+ASCD social media channels. For those interested in applying to future cohorts, the application typically opens in the spring. Aspiring fellows are encouraged to start building their portfolio of writing or multimedia content about their classroom innovations. Finally, schools can invite fellows to speak at professional development events, fostering direct knowledge exchange. The fellowship welcomes all passionate educators to join the movement that puts teachers and students first.