Empowering Educators: ISTE+ASCD Announces 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellows

Introduction

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping the landscape of education, prompting schools across the United States to rethink instructional methods, roles, and systems. In response, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship has emerged as a vital initiative, empowering those closest to the classroom—teachers and school leaders—to lead the conversation. By providing a platform through first-person essays and multimedia stories on EdSurge, the program amplifies real-time solutions to pressing challenges. This year, after a rigorous selection process, six exceptional educators have been chosen for the 2026-27 cohort, marking the sixth cycle of this influential fellowship.

A Fellowship for Classroom Leaders

The Voices of Change Fellowship is designed to elevate the perspectives of K-12 educators who are actively navigating the shift toward innovative learning environments. Fellows share their experiences, insights, and strategies, helping peers and policymakers understand the practical implications of technology integration. The program emphasizes authentic voices from the field, ensuring that decisions about the future of education are informed by those who work with students daily.

Navigating the AI Revolution in Education

As AI tools become more prevalent in classrooms, educators face both opportunities and challenges. The fellowship addresses topics such as personalized learning, data privacy, and ethical AI use. Fellows document their journeys, offering actionable advice for colleagues adapting to these changes. For example, they explore how AI can assist with lesson planning, differentiate instruction, and provide real-time feedback—while also cautioning against over-reliance and bias.

Amplifying Voices Through EdSurge

EdSurge, a leading education technology publication, publishes the fellows' content throughout the academic year. This partnership ensures that the stories reach a broad audience of educators, administrators, and technology advocates. The multimedia format—including essays, videos, and podcasts—makes complex topics accessible and fosters a community of practice. By sharing successes and setbacks, fellows contribute to a collective understanding of what works in modern education.

Meet the 2026-27 Cohort

The selection process for the new cohort drew a diverse pool of applicants from various school districts, grade levels, and subject areas. After evaluating their proposals, the program editor and a review panel identified six educators who demonstrate exceptional vision and commitment. These individuals will use their platforms to highlight innovative practices that are already transforming learning environments.

Six Educators Shaping the Future

While the specific names of the fellows are not disclosed in this announcement, the cohort represents a range of experiences—from elementary teachers integrating coding into literacy lessons to high school principals redesigning schedules for project-based learning. Each fellow will focus on a unique theme, such as digital equity, student agency, or AI literacy. Their contributions will be published regularly on EdSurge, with internal links to related articles for deeper exploration.

For instance, one fellow plans to examine how AI can support students with disabilities, while another will investigate the role of teacher collaboration in scaling innovative practices. These real-world case studies will provide a roadmap for other educators embarking on similar initiatives.

Conclusion

The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship continues to be a cornerstone for educator-led innovation. By giving a platform to those who are actively reimagining education, the program ensures that the conversation about the future of learning remains grounded in classroom realities. The 2026-27 cohort builds on this legacy, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights. As AI and technology evolve, the voices of these educators will be critical in shaping an equitable and effective education system for all students.

For more information about the fellowship and to access past content, visit EdSurge. Stay tuned for the first essays from the new fellows, which will be linked here as they are published.