Breaking News: Six Educators Selected to Lead National Dialogue on AI and Classroom Innovation
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) today announced the appointment of six K-12 educators and school leaders to the 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellowship. The cohort will publish firsthand accounts and multimedia stories on EdSurge, exploring how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping teaching, learning, and school systems across the United States.
"These fellows represent the frontline of educational transformation," said the program editor in a statement. "They are already guiding their communities toward practices that will define the future of learning, and this platform amplifies their voices in real time."
Applications for the upcoming cohort surged, reflecting the urgency educators feel as schools nationwide grapple with the rapid integration of AI into classrooms. The selected fellows—whose names and roles will be released later this week—were chosen for their demonstrated leadership in navigating this shift.
Background: A Platform for Practitioner-Led Change
Launched in 2021, the Voices of Change Fellowship was created to elevate the perspectives of those closest to the classroom. Each year, the program selects a small group of educators to produce essays, videos, and other digital content that documents real-time challenges and solutions.
The fellowship runs alongside EdSurge, a news outlet focused on education technology. Fellow contributions have previously covered topics from personalized learning to digital equity. The 2026-27 cohort will focus heavily on AI's impact on instructional design, assessment, and teacher roles.
"Technology is fundamentally changing what it means to teach and learn," added the editor. "We need to hear from practitioners who are experimenting, failing, and innovating every day."
What This Means: From Experimentation to Systemic Change
The announcement signals a broader push by ISTE+ASCD to ensure that classroom realities inform national conversations about education technology. Rather than relying solely on researchers or vendors, the fellowship positions teachers and administrators as leading voices.
For schools, this means access to grounded, actionable insights—such as how AI tools can be deployed equitably or how to redesign schedules for blended learning. For policymakers, the fellows' stories serve as evidence of both promise and pitfalls.
"These educators are not just adapting; they are reimagining systems," said a district superintendent who advised the program. "Their work will help schools across the country avoid common mistakes and accelerate progress."
As the 2026-27 academic year approaches, the fellows will begin publishing their content on EdSurge. The program also includes virtual meetups and a collaborative online community where other educators can engage with the ideas.
The fellowship comes at a critical juncture. A recent survey by ISTE found that nearly 70% of U.S. teachers have used generative AI in some capacity, yet fewer than 40% report receiving formal training. Voices of Change aims to bridge that gap through peer-to-peer sharing.
What Happens Next: A Year of Storytelling and Impact
Each fellow will produce multiple pieces over the course of the school year. Topics will range from practical classroom strategies to ethical questions around data privacy and algorithmic bias. The first round of contributions is expected in September 2026.
Educators interested in following the conversation can subscribe to EdSurge newsletters or join the Voices of Change community. The program also accepts nominations for future cohorts, with applications for the 2027-28 cycle opening in late 2026.