Six Educators Chosen to Lead National Conversation on AI and Future of Learning

Breaking: ISTE+ASCD Announces 2026–27 Voices of Change Fellows

Washington, D.C. — June 5, 2025 — The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship today named six K-12 educators to its 2026–27 cohort, selecting them from a record number of applicants nationwide. These educators will share first-person stories and multimedia projects on EdSurge, exploring how artificial intelligence and technology are reshaping classrooms and school systems.

Fellows to Amplify Classroom Voices Amid Tech Revolution

“The Voices of Change Fellowship is designed to amplify the voices of those closest to the classroom,” said the program editor, who oversees the initiative. “This year’s applicants were already guiding their communities toward innovative practices that will define the future of learning. The six we selected represent the very best of that vision.”

The cohort includes teachers, principals, and instructional coaches from diverse regions. Their work will be published as essays and multimedia features throughout the 2026–27 academic year, offering real-time insights into how schools are reimagining instruction, roles, and systems to meet modern demands.

Background

Launched in 2020, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship addresses a critical need: as AI and technology fundamentally change teaching and learning, the people closest to the classroom must lead the conversation. The program provides a platform on EdSurge for educators to share how they tackle these challenges in real time.

Applications for each cohort open roughly one year before the fellowship year begins. For the 2026–27 cycle, interest surged — a sign, organizers say, that educators are eager to document their adaptation to AI-driven tools and shifting instructional models.

What This Means

“This cohort’s stories will serve as a roadmap for schools nationwide,” the program editor added. “These leaders are not just reacting to change — they are shaping it.” The fellowship’s spotlight on practitioner-led narratives is intended to inform policy, professional development, and classroom practice.

With AI adoption accelerating in districts from rural to urban, the insights from the Voices of Change Fellows could influence how thousands of educators implement technology equitably and effectively. The program also underscores a shift: from top-down mandates to grassroots expertise driving educational transformation.

Fellows and Their Focus Areas

• Dr. Maria Alvarez, elementary principal — integrating AI for personalized learning
• James Chen, high school science teacher — using AI for project-based assessment
• Leah Okonkwo, instructional coach — supporting teachers new to edtech
• David Rivera, middle school ELA teacher — AI literacy and critical thinking
• Sarah Kim, district technology coordinator — equitable access to AI tools
• Marcus Thompson, special education teacher — assistive AI for diverse learners

About the Fellowship

The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship runs annually, selecting a small cohort of K-12 educators and school leaders. Fellows receive a stipend, editorial support, and a platform to reach a national audience. Their work appears on EdSurge, a leading source of education technology journalism.

For more details on the fellowship and how to apply for future cohorts, visit the background section above or the official ISTE+ASCD website.