Introduction
AI and technology are transforming the landscape of education, challenging schools across the nation to rethink instruction, roles, and systems. The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship is designed to empower the educators and school leaders closest to the classroom to lead these conversations. Through first-person essays and multimedia stories published on EdSurge, fellows share their real-time strategies for navigating change. This guide walks you through the process of applying for this prestigious fellowship, using the experiences of the 2026-27 cohort as a blueprint. Whether you’re a K-12 teacher, administrator, or instructional coach, these steps will help you craft a compelling application and stand out among passionate applicants.
What You Need
- A clear narrative: A personal story that illustrates how you are tackling challenges in education with innovative practices.
- Multimedia skills or assets: Ability to create or collaborate on short videos, audio recordings, or photographs that complement your story.
- Time commitment: Willingness to share your work across the fellowship period (one academic year) and engage with the EdSurge community.
- K-12 educator or school leader role: Eligibility is limited to those currently working directly with students or leading in a K-12 setting.
- Passion for collaboration: The fellowship values diverse perspectives and a desire to contribute to a national conversation.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Understand the Fellowship’s Mission
Before applying, immerse yourself in the purpose of the Voices of Change Fellowship. Its core mission is to amplify educator voices in shaping the future of learning. Fellows are expected to share honest, firsthand accounts of how they are reimagining instruction and school systems amid technological shifts. Review past cohorts’ essays and stories on EdSurge to grasp the tone and depth required. This will help you align your application with the fellowship’s goal of providing a platform for real-time problem solving.
Step 2: Prepare Your First-Person Essay
Your essay is the heart of your application. It should be a personal narrative (600–800 words) that answers: What challenges are you addressing in your school or classroom, and how are you innovating? Use a conversational but professional tone. Start with a vivid anecdote — for example, a moment when AI changed a lesson plan or when you redefined a role to meet student needs. Structure the essay with a clear problem, your approach, and the impact so far. Ensure it’s authentic and grounded in your daily work; avoid generic statements about technology.
Step 3: Create Supporting Multimedia Stories
The fellowship values multimedia storytelling. Alongside your essay, prepare one or two short pieces: a 2–3 minute video of you discussing your innovation, a photo essay with captions, or an audio clip from a classroom interaction. These don’t need professional production, but must clearly relate to your narrative. For instance, if your essay describes implementing a peer-mentoring model for AI literacy, a video of a mentoring session in action would strengthen your submission. Use free tools like a smartphone camera or simple editing apps.
Step 4: Complete and Submit the Online Application
The application process typically opens in early spring for the following school year. When ready, access the official ISTE+ASCD portal (watch for announcements on their websites). You’ll need to fill in your contact details, upload your essay and multimedia files, and provide a brief bio. Double-check that files are in accepted formats (PDF for essays, MP4 for video, JPG for images) and under size limits. Submit before the deadline — late entries are not considered. The 2026-27 cohort received hundreds of applications, so early submission is advised.
Step 5: Await Selection and Prepare for Interviews (if requested)
After the deadline, a review committee (including the program editor) evaluates applications based on relevance, originality, and potential impact. Some applicants may be invited for a short interview to discuss their ideas further. If contacted, be ready to elaborate on your essay and explain how you plan to engage with the fellowship community. The selection for the 2026-27 cohort resulted in six fellows chosen from a competitive pool. Be patient; notifications typically arrive within 4–6 weeks after the deadline.
Step 6: If Selected, Embrace the Fellowship Year
Congratulations, you’re now a Voices of Change Fellow! You will be expected to publish your essay and multimedia story on EdSurge, participate in cohort discussions, and possibly speak at ISTE+ASCD events. Use this platform to engage with educators nationwide — respond to comments, share insights on social media, and refine your work. The fellowship runs for the academic year, so plan to allocate time for these activities. Past fellows have leveraged this experience to influence policy, develop professional learning networks, and drive change in their own schools.
Tips for Success
- Be authentic: The fellowship values real voices, not polished PR. Share your struggles as well as successes.
- Connect to the big picture: Show how your local work addresses national challenges in education and technology.
- Test your multimedia before submission: Ensure links work and files play correctly — a glitchy video can undermine a strong essay.
- Ask for feedback: Have a colleague read your essay for clarity and impact. Fresh eyes can catch gaps.
- Stay informed: Follow ISTE+ASCD and EdSurge for updates on future fellowship cycles; the 2027-28 application may open soon after the 2026-27 cohort is announced.
- Leverage your network: If selected, actively collaborate with other fellows — their insights can amplify your own work.
The Voices of Change Fellowship is more than an honor; it’s a community of educators shaping the future of learning. By following these steps and infusing them with your unique perspective, you can become a voice that leads the conversation.