Breaking: ISTE+ASCD Selects 2026–27 Voices of Change Fellows Amid Education Technology Shift

June 5, 2025 – The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) have announced the sixth cohort of the Voices of Change Fellowship, naming six K-12 educators and school leaders to share their frontline insights on technology-driven transformation in classrooms nationwide.

The fellowship, which runs through the 2026–27 academic year, provides a platform on EdSurge for educators to publish first-person essays and multimedia stories. This year’s selection comes as schools grapple with the rapid integration of artificial intelligence and other digital tools into teaching and learning.

“We heard from countless applicants who are already guiding their communities toward innovative practices that will define the future of learning,” said the program editor. “This cohort reflects the vision and urgency required to navigate this shift.”

Background

The Voices of Change Fellowship launched in 2020 to elevate the perspectives of those closest to the classroom. Each year, a small group of educators is selected to share real-time challenges and solutions related to technology adoption, instructional redesign, and systemic change.

This year’s applicants came from across the United States, demonstrating widespread interest in rethinking roles and systems. According to program officials, the fellowship emphasizes equity and student-centered innovation.

Why Now?

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering what it means to teach and learn, according to a recent ISTE+ASCD survey. Schools are reimagining assessment, curriculum, and professional development to prepare students for an AI-augmented world.

What This Means

The six fellows will contribute to a growing body of practitioner-led knowledge that influences policy and practice at local and national levels. Their stories aim to inspire other educators to experiment with emerging tools and share their own experiences.

“These fellows are not just observers—they are active shapers of the future of education,” said one participating district leader. “Their work will help demystify technology and provide actionable guidance for colleagues.”

Observers expect the 2026–27 cohort to produce content on topics such as AI literacy, ethical use of data, and redefining teacher roles. The program will also host virtual events and discussions based on the fellows’ published work.

• Six educators from diverse regions and grade levels
• Focus on real-world implementation of AI and tech
• Stories published monthly on EdSurge starting fall 2026

The announcement comes as ISTE+ASCD continues to merge expertise from both organizations to support educators navigating rapid technological change. More details on individual fellows will be released in the coming weeks.