6 Key Insights into the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship for 2026–27

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence and digital tools is reshaping classrooms across the United States. Educators are rethinking lesson plans, school structures, and even their own roles to prepare students for a world that looks radically different from just a decade ago. To help steer this transformation, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship puts the spotlight on those who know the classroom best: teachers and school leaders. Through personal essays and multimedia stories published on EdSurge, the program gives K–12 professionals a powerful platform to share their real‑world experiences and innovative solutions. After reviewing hundreds of applications for the 2026–27 cohort, the selection team identified six standout educators who are already guiding their communities toward the future of learning. Here are six things you need to know about this influential fellowship.

• 1. Why the Fellowship Exists
• 2. Who Can Apply
• 3. What Fellows Do
• 4. The Selection Process
• 5. The 2026–27 Cohort
• 6. The Impact on the Future of Learning

1. Why the Fellowship Exists

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are fundamentally changing what it means to teach and learn. Schools nationwide are reimagining instructional strategies, role definitions, and entire systems to ensure students receive an education that meets the demands of both today and tomorrow. The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship was created to give the people closest to the classroom—educators and school leaders—a leading role in this conversation. By elevating their voices, the program aims to move beyond top‑down reforms and highlight grassroots innovations that are already making a difference. This approach recognizes that lasting change often starts with a single teacher trying something new, and that those stories deserve to be heard at scale.

2. Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to K–12 educators and school leaders across the United States. During the application process for the 2026–27 cohort, the program received an overwhelming number of submissions from teachers, principals, instructional coaches, and district administrators. Candidates were expected to demonstrate a track record of guiding their communities toward innovative practices and a willingness to share their experiences publicly. The application itself asked for examples of how applicants are tackling the challenges of an AI‑infused educational landscape. This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of perspectives—from early‑career teachers to seasoned leaders—can contribute to the national dialogue on the future of learning.

3. What Fellows Do

Once selected, fellows commit to a yearlong engagement during which they produce first‑person essays and multimedia stories for EdSurge, the flagship news outlet of ISTE+ASCD. These pieces offer a front‑row seat to the real‑world challenges and triumphs of teaching in a tech‑driven era. Fellows write about topics such as integrating AI into lesson plans, rethinking assessment, fostering digital citizenship, and redesigning professional learning. They also participate in virtual meetups, receive editorial support, and join a growing network of past and present fellows. The goal is not only to share individual insights but also to build a community of practice that can influence policy and practice at every level.

4. The Selection Process

ISTE+ASCD received applications from countless educators who are already guiding their schools toward innovative practices. The selection team looked for candidates with a clear vision, a strong voice, and a demonstrated ability to inspire others. Diversity of background, geography, and school context also played a key role—the program intentionally seeks voices from rural, urban, and suburban settings, as well as from educators working with students of all ages and abilities. The result is a cohort that reflects the rich variety of the American education landscape. For the 2026–27 year, the panel ultimately chose six exceptional educators whose stories promise to resonate with a broad audience.

5. The 2026–27 Cohort

This year marks the sixth cohort of the Voices of Change Fellowship, and it features six educators who are already making waves in their schools and districts. While the program editor (who announced the cohort) did not name the individuals in the announcement, the broader release provided a clear signal: these are leaders who are not afraid to experiment, fail, and learn in public. Previous cohorts have included classroom teachers, tech coordinators, and principals, and the 2026–27 group continues that tradition. Fellows will share their expertise throughout the academic year, covering everything from AI literacy to student‑centered pedagogies. Their contributions will be published in a dedicated series on EdSurge.

6. The Impact on the Future of Learning

The voices raised through this fellowship do more than just tell stories—they shape the national conversation about education. By highlighting real‑world examples of how AI and technology are being woven into classrooms, the program helps other educators see what’s possible. It also provides a counterbalance to the tech‑industry narrative, grounding innovation in the lived experiences of students and teachers. For the 2026–27 cohort, the timing is especially critical as schools continue to navigate rapid change. The essays and stories produced by the fellows will serve as both a record of this moment and a roadmap for what’s to come. In short, the fellowship is not just about amplifying voices; it’s about empowering those voices to lead.

As the world of education evolves, the need for authentic, educator‑driven perspectives has never been greater. The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship offers a powerful model of how to put the people who know classrooms best at the center of the conversation. The six educators selected for the 2026–27 cohort represent a breadth of experience and a depth of commitment that will undoubtedly inspire others. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas, a leader seeking validation for your own efforts, or a policymaker trying to understand what works, the stories from this fellowship are essential reading. Follow along on EdSurge as these remarkable educators share their journeys throughout the coming year.