Empowering Educator Voices: Inside the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship for 2026-27

The landscape of K-12 education is rapidly evolving as artificial intelligence and new technologies reshape classrooms across the United States. Teachers and school leaders are rethinking instruction, roles, and entire systems to prepare students for tomorrow. In response, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship offers a powerful platform for educators closest to the action to share their firsthand experiences. This program invites selected K-12 practitioners to publish essays and multimedia pieces on EdSurge, amplifying authentic voices in the education conversation. For the 2026-27 cohort, the application process drew an inspiring pool of candidates already driving innovative practices. Today, we announce the sixth cohort of six remarkable educators who will contribute throughout the upcoming school year.

What Is the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship?

The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship is a professional learning and storytelling initiative that empowers K-12 educators and school leaders to share their on-the-ground experiences with transforming teaching and learning. Through the program, fellows publish first-person narratives and multimedia stories on EdSurge, a leading education news outlet. The goal is to elevate the perspectives of those who work directly with students, administrators, and communities, allowing them to influence the national dialogue around educational innovation. The fellowship runs for one academic year, and each cohort consists of a small group of educators selected for their vision, practice, and willingness to lead conversations about change.

Empowering Educator Voices: Inside the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship for 2026-27 — Source: www.edsurge.com

Why Was This Fellowship Created?

As technology, especially artificial intelligence, fundamentally alters what it means to teach and learn, schools face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Too often, decisions about classroom innovation are made without input from the educators who implement them daily. The fellowship was launched to ensure that the people closest to the classroom—teachers, principals, instructional coaches, and district leaders—have a prominent voice in shaping the future of education. By spotlighting real stories of trial, success, and adaptation, the program helps other educators learn from peers and inspires systemic change. It also provides a structured outlet for reflection and professional growth, encouraging fellows to articulate their insights for a wide audience.

How Are Fellows Selected?

Selection for the Voices of Change Fellowship is a competitive process. Each year, ISTE+ASCD opens applications to K-12 educators and school leaders across the United States. Candidates submit a written application that may include a personal statement, examples of their work, and ideas for stories they would like to tell. The review committee looks for individuals who are already guiding their communities toward innovative practices—whether through integrating AI, redesigning curriculum, rethinking assessment, or fostering equitable access. For the 2026-27 cohort, the program received a strong applicant pool, and the final six fellows were chosen for their demonstrated leadership and potential to contribute meaningful narratives that resonate with the broader education field.

What Do Fellows Do During the Program?

Over the course of the academic year, each fellow collaborates with the editorial team at EdSurge to produce a series of first-person essays and multimedia pieces. These stories capture real-time challenges and victories as they navigate shifts in instruction, technology use, and school culture. Fellows also participate in virtual cohort sessions where they discuss their writing, exchange feedback, and deepen their understanding of storytelling techniques. The program provides editorial support and guidance to ensure each piece is polished and impactful. Additionally, fellows gain exposure to a national audience of educators, policymakers, and thought leaders, and they often report that the process strengthens their own reflective practice and professional network.

Who Are the 2026-27 Fellows?

The sixth cohort of the Voices of Change Fellowship consists of six exceptional educators from diverse roles and regions. They include classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and school administrators who are actively working to redefine instructional approaches and systems in the age of AI. While the original announcement does not list individual names, the cohort reflects a range of experiences—from early adopters of generative AI tools to leaders focused on equity and student agency. Each fellow brings a unique perspective that will enrich the EdSurge community. Over the coming months, their articles will offer practical insights, cautionary tales, and inspiring examples of how schools can evolve to meet today's demands while preparing students for tomorrow.

How Can Educators Apply for Future Cohorts?

Applications for future cohorts of the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship typically open in the spring, with selections announced in the summer for the following academic year. Interested K-12 educators and school leaders should monitor the EdSurge and ISTE+ASCD websites for announcements. The application process usually requires a short written proposal outlining story ideas and a brief statement of purpose. Those selected receive editorial support, a platform to amplify their work, and membership in a growing network of changemakers. The program is designed for educators who are eager to reflect publicly on their practice and contribute to the national conversation about the future of learning. For more details, visit the fellowship overview or check official communications from ISTE+ASCD.

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