Your Blueprint to Becoming an ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Artificial intelligence and technology are fundamentally reshaping what it means to teach and learn. Schools across the country are rethinking instructional approaches, roles, and systems to ensure students receive an education that meets today’s demands — and tomorrow’s. To navigate this shift, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship empowers the people closest to the classroom to lead the conversation. By highlighting first-person essays and multimedia stories on EdSurge, the program provides a platform for K-12 educators and school leaders to share how they are tackling these challenges in real time.

If you’re an educator or school leader with a powerful story about transforming learning, this fellowship offers a national stage. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from understanding the fellowship’s mission to submitting a compelling application. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to joining a community of forward-thinking educators who are shaping the future of education.

What You Need

Before you begin, gather the following prerequisites and materials:

• Eligibility: You must be a current K-12 educator or school leader working in a school or district.
• Commitment: Willingness to share your insights and experiences through first-person essays and multimedia stories throughout the academic year.
• Story Idea: A clear, compelling concept for how you are guiding your community toward innovative practices that define the future of learning.
• Supporting Materials: Samples of your writing, videos, or other multimedia content that showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
• Time: Dedication to participate in the fellowship program for the full school year (e.g., 2026-27), including periodic meetings and content deadlines.
• Technology: Access to a computer, internet connection, and basic tools for creating web-ready content (e.g., word processor, video recording device).

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Voices of Change Fellow

Step 1: Understand the Fellowship Mission

Start by thoroughly reading about the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship on the EdSurge platform. The program’s goal is to highlight educators who are reimagining instruction and leading change in their schools. Review the essays and multimedia stories from previous cohorts to understand the tone, depth, and impact expected. This step ensures your application aligns with the fellowship’s core values: innovation, equity, and real-world problem solving.

Step 2: Identify Your Unique Voice and Story

Reflect on your own experiences with AI, technology, or instructional shifts in your classroom or school. Ask yourself: What challenge did I tackle? How did it change learning for my students? What innovative practices did I implement? Your story should be authentic, personal, and directly tied to the theme of reimagining education. Jot down key moments, data points, and anecdotes that illustrate your journey.

Step 3: Develop a Clear Essay or Multimedia Concept

Based on your story idea, outline a first-person essay or plan a multimedia piece (e.g., short video, photo essay with narration). Ensure your concept has a strong narrative arc: a beginning that hooks readers, a middle that describes the challenge and your response, and an end that reflects on impact and lessons learned. Keep in mind that EdSurge stories are concise yet powerful — aim for 800–1,200 words for an essay, or 3–5 minutes for a video.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Materials

Prepare samples that demonstrate your communication skills. This could be a previous blog post, a video of you teaching or presenting, or a sample of student work. If you have any press coverage, awards, or testimonials, include those too. These materials help the selection committee see your potential as a fellow.

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the official application on the ISTE+ASCD website. Be prepared to provide:

• Personal and professional contact information
• A short bio (150–200 words)
• A draft or detailed outline of your story concept
• Links to any supporting materials
• Answers to questions about your leadership in educational innovation

Take your time to write clearly and passionately. Use the first person to show your authentic voice.

Step 6: Showcase Your Impact and Vision

In your application, explicitly connect your work to broader trends in education. Explain how your approach addresses the challenges AI and technology bring to teaching and learning. Highlight tangible outcomes: improved student engagement, closing achievement gaps, or fostering critical thinking. The selection committee wants to see that your story has relevance beyond your classroom and can inspire others.

Step 7: Prepare for a Potential Interview

If your application advances, you may be invited for a virtual interview. Practice articulating your story in 2–3 minutes. Be ready to discuss how you would contribute to the fellowship community, collaborate with other fellows, and meet deadlines. Review the original announcement to recall that the program editor emphasized the “voices closest to the classroom” — so stay grounded in your practitioner perspective.

Step 8: Submit and Follow Up

Double-check all materials for errors and ensure you meet the deadline. After submission, send a brief thank-you note if possible. Watch for communication from the selection team and be patient. Fellowships often receive many applicants; even if not selected, the process can refine your story for future opportunities.

Step 9: Engage with the Community (Even Before Acceptance)

While waiting, follow EdSurge and ISTE+ASCD on social media, read current fellows’ stories, and participate in online discussions. This shows genuine interest and helps you learn from others. If selected, you’ll already be part of the conversation.

Step 10: Commit to the Fellowship Year

Once accepted, you’ll join the cohort of six exceptional educators (as noted in the 2026-27 announcement). Prepare to:

• Write and publish at least two first-person essays or create multimedia stories
• Attend regular check-ins with the program editor and other fellows
• Provide feedback on peers’ content
• Share your work with your professional network

Embrace the opportunity to lead the conversation about the future of learning.

Tips for Success

• Be authentic. Don’t try to sound like someone else. Your real-life struggles and wins are what make your voice powerful.
• Focus on impact, not just activity. Describe how your innovation changed outcomes for students or colleagues.
• Embrace multimedia. If you’re not a writer, a short video or photo essay can be just as effective — and often more engaging.
• Connect to the bigger picture. Relate your story to national conversations about AI, equity, or student-centered learning.
• Proofread and get feedback. Ask a colleague to review your application for clarity and emotional resonance.
• Start early. Good stories take time to polish. Begin brainstorming months before the deadline.
• Stay positive and persistent. Many applicants try multiple times before being selected. Each attempt sharpens your narrative.

By following this guide, you’ll not only submit a strong application but also deepen your own understanding of the transformative work you do every day. The ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship awaits the next generation of educator leaders — and that could be you.

Read more about the current cohort: ISTE+ASCD Names 2026-27 Voices of Change Fellows