ISTE+ASCD Names 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellows

Why It Matters

The fellowship amplifies frontline educators’ experiences, accelerating the adoption of equitable AI‑enhanced teaching practices. By showcasing real‑world solutions, it informs policymakers, districts, and ed‑tech developers about the tools and strategies needed for future‑ready learning.

Key Takeaways

• Six educators selected for 2026‑27 Voices of Change Fellowship.
• Fellows will publish essays, articles, and videos on EdSurge throughout the year.
• Program focuses on AI literacy, equity, and innovative instructional design.
• Participants represent diverse roles: teachers, principals, tech facilitators across five states.
• Content will explore responsible AI use, data‑driven instruction, and digital citizenship.

Pulse Analysis

The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship was created to surface the lived experiences of educators navigating an AI‑driven classroom. As schools grapple with rapid technological change, the program offers a curated platform on EdSurge where teachers, administrators, and technology specialists can publish first‑person narratives, video diaries, and research‑backed essays. By foregrounding practical insights rather than theoretical hype, the fellowship helps the broader education community differentiate between fleeting tech trends and sustainable instructional innovations that truly improve student outcomes.

The 2026‑27 cohort comprises six distinguished professionals: Tambra Clark, who advances AI literacy and STEM equity in Birmingham; Nathan Kraai, championing design‑thinking curricula at The Fenn School; Pattie Morales, driving equitable digital access in Wisconsin; Court Shuller, integrating research‑based literacy strategies in New Jersey; Monika Vereb, steering systemic turnaround in Virginia; and Beth Yirga, linking environmental justice with whole‑child development in Delaware. Their upcoming content will probe responsible AI deployment, data‑informed assessment, and the cultivation of digital citizenship, offering concrete models that other districts can adapt.

Beyond individual stories, the fellowship signals a shift in how ed‑tech vendors and policymakers source feedback. Real‑time, classroom‑level data on tool efficacy and equity concerns can accelerate product refinement and inform funding priorities. As the fellows’ work circulates through EdSurge’s extensive readership, it is likely to shape curriculum standards, professional‑development frameworks, and even state‑level legislation aimed at safeguarding student privacy while leveraging AI’s instructional potential. In this way, the Voices of Change initiative not only documents innovation—it actively steers the future of American K‑12 education.