Empowering Educators: ISTE+ASCD Announces 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellows
ISTE+ASCD names six K-12 educators as 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellows to share real-world insights on AI and technology in classrooms via EdSurge platform.
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and digital tools is reshaping the landscape of teaching and learning. Schools across the United States are rethinking curricula, roles, and systems to equip students with skills for a future defined by constant innovation. Amid this transformation, the voices of those who work directly with students are indispensable. The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship steps into this need, offering a platform for K-12 educators and school leaders to share their real-world experiences, strategies, and insights through first-person essays and multimedia stories published on EdSurge. The program empowers the closest observers of classroom dynamics to lead the conversation on educational change.
The Fellowship's Mission and Impact
At its core, the Voices of Change Fellowship aims to elevate practitioner perspectives. Rather than relying solely on researchers or policymakers, the program places educators at the forefront of dialogue on instructional innovation. By providing a curated editorial platform, fellows can reach a national audience, sparking conversations about how technology, pedagogy, and equity intersect. The 2026-27 cohort represents the sixth group of such educators, continuing a tradition of spotlighting grassroots expertise. The application process drew passionate applicants who are already guiding their schools toward evidence-based, forward-thinking practices. These educators are not waiting for systemic overhauls; they are experimenting, adapting, and learning in real time, and the fellowship captures that momentum.
Meet the 2026-27 Cohort: Six Education Leaders
The selection committee reviewed hundreds of applications to identify six exceptional educators who embody leadership in technology integration and instructional reimagination. While their specific backgrounds vary, each fellow demonstrates a commitment to using technology as a tool for equity and deeper learning. The cohort includes classroom teachers, instructional coaches, and building-level administrators—all working at the intersection of AI, digital citizenship, and student-centered pedagogy. These educators will spend the 2026-27 academic year sharing their stories, challenges, and breakthrough moments through serialized content on EdSurge.
Selection Process and Criteria
The application process for the 2026-27 cohort invited educators from all K-12 settings, emphasizing diversity of geography, school type, and grade level. Candidates submitted proposals that demonstrated how they are leveraging technology to address specific pedagogical challenges. Judges prioritized applicants with a clear vision for the future of learning, a track record of collaboration, and an authentic narrative voice. The rigorous selection ensured that the final cohort represents a cross-section of the innovative work happening in classrooms nationwide.
What to Expect from the Fellows
Each fellow will produce a series of contributions—written essays, video reflections, or podcasts—that explore key themes such as integrating AI into assessment, fostering digital literacy, and redesigning professional development. Readers can look forward to honest accounts of trial and error, practical strategies for managing change, and visionary ideas for reimagining school structures. The fellowship encourages peer learning: fellows will also collaborate with one another, building a network that extends beyond their individual articles.
Shaping the Future of Learning Together
The Voices of Change Fellowship is more than a writing opportunity—it's a catalyst for systemic reflection. By documenting the real-time decisions educators make as they navigate AI tools, personalized learning platforms, and hybrid classrooms, the program creates a living archive of practical wisdom. This year’s cohort builds on the legacy of previous fellows, whose work has already influenced professional learning conversations and policy discussions. As schools continue to evolve, the fellowship ensures that practitioner voices remain central to the narrative.
We invite the education community to follow the 2026-27 fellows on EdSurge, engage with their content, and share their own experiences. The journey toward a future-ready education system is a collective one, and every perspective adds depth to the discourse. The 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellows are ready to lead the way—one story at a time.