Educator Voices Reshape the Future of Learning: Meet the 2026-27 ISTE+ASCD Fellows

A New Era of Teaching and Learning

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies is redefining the core of education. Classrooms across the United States are undergoing a profound transformation—rethinking instructional methods, roles, and systemic structures to prepare students for the challenges of today and tomorrow. In response to this shift, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship has emerged as a critical program that empowers those closest to the classroom to lead the conversation. By amplifying first-person narratives and multimedia stories on EdSurge, this initiative gives K–12 educators and school leaders a platform to share how they are tackling real-time challenges and pioneering innovative practices.

The Fellowship’s Mission and Impact

Since its inception, the Voices of Change Fellowship has sought to elevate the perspectives of practitioners who are actively shaping the future of education. The program recognizes that the most insightful guidance often comes from teachers, administrators, and instructional coaches who confront the complexities of technology integration, equity, and engagement daily. Through published essays, video stories, and other media, fellows contribute to a national dialogue on what works in schools—and what needs to change.

During the recent application cycle for the 2026–27 cohort, the program received an overwhelming response from educators across the country who are already guiding their communities toward more effective, technology-rich learning environments. Their submissions reflected a shared vision: to use innovative tools and strategies not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it.

Announcing the Sixth Cohort: Six Exceptional Voices

As the program editor for this year’s fellowship, I am thrilled to introduce the 2026–27 Voices of Change Fellows. This sixth cohort comprises six outstanding K–12 educators and school leaders who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the table. They represent a range of grade levels, subject areas, and district contexts—from rural classrooms to urban STEM labs—yet share a common commitment to transforming education through thoughtful, tech-enabled pedagogy.

Throughout the upcoming academic year, these fellows will publish regular contributions on EdSurge, offering actionable insights and honest reflections on the opportunities and obstacles they encounter. Readers can expect stories about:

• Integrating AI tools in ways that respect student privacy and foster critical thinking.
• Redesigning professional learning to support teachers in adapting to new technologies.
• Building inclusive, culturally responsive approaches to digital literacy.
• Navigating systemic hurdles to create sustainable change in their schools and districts.

Their voices will serve as a compass for colleagues navigating similar journeys—and as inspiration for those just beginning.

Why Educator Voices Matter Now

The timing of the Voices of Change Fellowship is no coincidence. As AI becomes more embedded in everyday instruction, educators are often the first to see both its promise and its pitfalls. Yet their perspectives are frequently underrepresented in policy debates and media coverage. The fellowship directly addresses this gap by elevating practitioner expertise and providing a credible, authentic platform for sharing solutions that emerge from real classrooms.

Moreover, the fellowship encourages collaboration across roles and regions. Through online discussions, virtual meetups, and peer feedback, the six fellows will form a network of support—sharing resources, troubleshooting challenges, and celebrating breakthroughs. This community is as valuable as the published content itself.

How to Get Involved

Whether you are a teacher, administrator, or education advocate, you can stay connected with the Voices of Change Fellowship throughout the 2026–27 school year. Follow the fellows’ contributions on EdSurge, engage with their insights on social media, and consider applying for future cohorts. The application process typically opens in the spring, with criteria that prioritize demonstrated impact, reflective practice, and commitment to equity.

For more details, scroll up to learn more about the current cohort or review the fellowship’s mission. Together, these educator voices are shaping the next chapter of American education—one essay, one story, one classroom at a time.

A Vision for the Future

The 2026–27 Voices of Change Fellows embody the best of what education can become: responsive, innovative, and deeply human. Their work reminds us that even in an age of AI, the most powerful force in a school remains the passionate educator. By listening to their stories, we all learn how to teach better—and how to prepare every student to thrive in a world of constant change.