Six Educators Selected as ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellows for 2026-27

Introduction: A New Era in Education

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and digital technology is reshaping the very foundations of teaching and learning. Across the United States, schools are rethinking their instructional strategies, redefining roles, and redesigning systems to prepare students for a future that demands adaptability and innovation. To support this transformation, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship has emerged as a vital initiative, giving a platform to those who work closest with students—educators and school leaders—to share their real-world experiences and insights.

Through first-person essays and multimedia content published on EdSurge, fellows in this program document how they are navigating the challenges and opportunities of modern education. The application process for the 2026-27 cohort attracted a remarkable pool of candidates, each already guiding their communities toward forward-thinking practices. Now, the fellowship is proud to announce its sixth cohort: six exceptional educators who will lend their voices to the conversation throughout the 2026-27 academic year.

The Voices of Change Fellowship: Empowering Practitioners

Launched by the combined forces of ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) and ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), the fellowship aims to elevate the perspectives of K-12 educators who are actively shaping the future of learning. Unlike top-down policy discussions, this program centers on the ground-level experiences of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are reimagining education every day.

Fellows contribute a series of first-person articles and multimedia stories to EdSurge, a leading publication covering education innovation. These pieces offer an unfiltered look at how technology—especially AI—is being integrated into classrooms, the ethical questions it raises, and the pedagogical shifts it demands. By sharing both successes and struggles, the fellows help other educators learn from real-world examples and build a community of practice.

As the program editor, I am thrilled to introduce the members of this year’s cohort. Their backgrounds span diverse roles, grade levels, and regions, yet they share a common commitment to preparing students for a world where change is constant.

Meet the 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellows

The six educators selected for this cohort bring a wealth of expertise. While their individual stories will unfold throughout the year, here is a brief overview of the group:

• Fellow 1 – An elementary school teacher who has pioneered the use of AI-powered personalized learning tools to support reading and math instruction, ensuring every student progresses at their own pace.
• Fellow 2 – A high school principal focused on rethinking school schedules and assessment models to accommodate project-based learning and digital portfolios.
• Fellow 3 – A district-level instructional coach who trains teachers on integrating generative AI into lesson planning while addressing concerns about academic integrity.
• Fellow 4 – A special education specialist who leverages assistive technology to create inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive.
• Fellow 5 – A middle school science teacher who uses virtual reality and simulations to bring complex concepts to life, sparking curiosity and deeper understanding.
• Fellow 6 – A school librarian who has transformed the library into a digital makerspace, teaching students coding, robotics, and media literacy.

These educators will each contribute multiple pieces to EdSurge over the coming year, and their work will be featured in a dedicated section of the publication. Readers can expect honest, nuanced perspectives that reflect the realities of change in schools.

What This Fellowship Means for Schools

The Voices of Change Fellowship is more than a recognition—it is a catalyst for broader dialogue. By amplifying the voices of practitioners, the program helps shift the narrative around educational technology from hype to thoughtful practice. The fellows’ writings often influence district policies, inspire professional development programs, and provide a model for other schools embarking on similar transformations.

As AI continues to evolve, the insights shared by these educators become increasingly critical. They tackle questions like: How do we balance personalized learning with student privacy? What does ethical AI use look like in a kindergarten classroom? How can technology reduce teacher burnout rather than add to it? Through their stories, the fellows offer guidance grounded in daily experience.

Looking Ahead: Future Cohorts

Applications for the current cycle are now closed, but the program plans to open for a seventh cohort in the spring. Educators interested in sharing their voices—and who are actively working to reshape education through technology—are encouraged to watch for announcements on the ISTE+ASCD website. The fellowship provides a small stipend, editorial support, and a national platform that can elevate one’s work to a broad audience of peers, policymakers, and thought leaders.

For now, we celebrate the six fellows of 2026-27. Their contributions will not only document change—they will drive it. We invite you to follow their journeys on EdSurge and join the conversation about the future of teaching and learning.

Learn more about the Voices of Change Fellowship and meet the new cohort.