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

Artificial intelligence and digital tools are reshaping classrooms nationwide, compelling schools to rethink instruction, roles, and systems so that every student is prepared for the demands of today and tomorrow. In response, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship places educators and school leaders at the forefront of this transformation. By featuring first-person essays and multimedia stories on EdSurge, the program amplifies the perspectives of those closest to learning, offering a real-time look at how they navigate complex challenges and pioneer innovative practices.

What is the Voices of Change Fellowship?

Launched by the combined organization of ISTE and ASCD, the Voices of Change Fellowship is a year-long initiative that highlights the lived experiences of K-12 educators, administrators, and other school leaders as they adapt to the rapid evolution of technology in education. Fellows publish regular contributions on EdSurge, sharing their successes, frustrations, and insights. The program does not prescribe a curriculum; instead, it trusts practitioners to identify the issues that matter most to their communities — from integrating generative AI into lesson plans to rethinking assessment or fostering digital citizenship. Through narrative storytelling, the fellowship aims to move beyond theory and offer actionable, ground-level wisdom.

The 2026-27 Cohort Selection Process

Applications for the sixth cohort drew an impressive pool of candidates from across the country. Each applicant submitted a proposal detailing how they are guiding their school or district toward forward-thinking practices. The review team looked for educators who could articulate a clear vision for change and demonstrate a commitment to equity, innovation, and collaboration. From that competitive field, six exceptional individuals were chosen to represent the diverse voices shaping education today. Their upcoming stories will cover topics such as redefining professional development, using data to personalize learning, and building teacher leadership in an era of rapid technological change.

Meet the 2026-27 Fellows

As program editor, I am thrilled to introduce this year’s cohort. While their specific backgrounds and roles span different grade levels, subjects, and regions, each fellow shares a passion for elevating the teaching profession through candid, reflective writing. Over the course of the 2026-27 school year, they will contribute regularly to EdSurge, offering a window into their classrooms and leadership journeys. Their essays and multimedia pieces will explore the real-life implications of AI, personalized learning pathways, and the systemic shifts needed to support both educators and students. Readers can expect practical takeaways, honest reflections, and bold ideas that challenge the status quo.

How the Fellowship Drives Change in Education

The Voices of Change Fellowship is more than a storytelling platform — it is a catalyst for action. By centering the voices of those who implement change daily, the program influences broader conversations in education policy, professional learning, and technology adoption. The first-person format allows educators to connect with peers who face similar obstacles, creating a ripple effect of shared strategies. Additionally, the multimedia component (including videos, podcasts, and interactive pieces) ensures the insights reach a wide audience, from classroom teachers to district leaders. As AI and other technologies continue to evolve, this fellowship provides a vital counterbalance to top-down mandates, proving that the most meaningful innovations often start with a single educator’s willingness to share.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

The 2026-27 cohort represents a continued commitment to empowering educator leadership. As the school year progresses, keep an eye on EdSurge for the fellows’ contributions — they promise to illuminate the challenges and triumphs of teaching in a rapidly changing world. Whether you are a teacher looking for fresh ideas or a leader seeking to understand the grassroots realities of edtech, the Voices of Change Fellowship offers a valuable, honest, and inspiring perspective.