Introduction: A New Era in Education
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are radically reshaping the landscape of teaching and learning. Across the United States, schools are rethinking their instructional methods, roles, and systems to equip students with the skills needed for tomorrow. To help navigate this transformation, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship empowers those closest to the classroom—educators and school leaders—to drive the conversation forward. Through a series of first-person essays and multimedia stories published on EdSurge, the program amplifies real-time stories of innovation and challenge.
Program Overview
The Voices of Change Fellowship is a year-long professional learning experience that selects a cohort of K-12 educators who are actively guiding their communities toward forward-thinking practices. Fellows share their insights, strategies, and reflections on topics such as integrating AI into curriculum, redefining educator roles, and building equitable technology ecosystems. The program is designed not only to spotlight individual efforts but also to create a collaborative network of change agents.
2026–27 Cohort Announced
After a rigorous application process featuring numerous candidates already leading innovative shifts, ISTE+ASCD is proud to announce the sixth cohort: six exceptional educators who will serve as Voices of Change Fellows for the 2026–27 academic year. These individuals represent diverse backgrounds, grade levels, and geographic regions, reflecting the broad impact of educational transformation.
The selection committee evaluated applicants based on their demonstrated leadership in tech-infused pedagogy, commitment to equity, and ability to articulate a vision for the future of learning. Each fellow will contribute regular content to EdSurge, sharing actionable strategies and raising critical questions about the role of technology in schools.
Meet the Fellows
While the full list of 2026–27 fellows has been released internally, the cohort includes educators who are pioneering AI literacy, personalized learning pathways, and community-centered leadership. Their stories will be featured throughout the year, offering a window into how schools are adapting to rapid change. For detailed bios and areas of focus, readers can visit the official ISTE+ASCD fellowship page (internal anchor will be added).
Impact on Education
The Voices of Change Fellowship addresses a critical need: empowering practitioners to lead rather than passively receive top-down directives. By giving educators a platform to share their work, the program fosters a culture of peer learning and practitioner-driven research. This approach aligns with broader trends in professional development—moving away from one-size-fits-all training toward job-embedded coaching and reflective practice.
Past cohorts have influenced national conversations about digital citizenship, data privacy, and the ethics of AI in classrooms. The 2026–27 fellows are expected to build on that momentum, tackling emerging issues such as deepfakes in media literacy, student agency in AI-enhanced environments, and sustainable professional learning models.
How to Apply for Future Cohorts
Applications for the 2027–28 cohort will open in early 2027. Interested educators and school leaders are encouraged to visit the ISTE+ASCD website for eligibility criteria and timeline. The program seeks individuals who are actively implementing innovative practices and who can communicate their experiences in a compelling, honest manner. Selection is based on both the quality of the application essay and the potential for contribution to the broader educator community.
To stay informed about announcements and deadlines, sign up for the ISTE+ASCD newsletter or follow EdSurge for regular updates.
Conclusion
The Voices of Change Fellowship is more than a recognition program—it is a movement that places educators at the center of the ed-tech evolution. As AI and technology continue to redefine the teaching profession, the stories and insights from these six fellows will serve as a guiding light for schools across the country. Their work reminds us that the most powerful innovations often start in the classroom, led by those who know students best.
For more information, read the full list of the 2026–27 fellows or explore the program overview.