Introduction
Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping classrooms every day. Teachers and school leaders are rethinking how they teach, what students learn, and the roles that support modern education. To help amplify the voices of those closest to the action, the ISTE+ASCD Voices of Change Fellowship offers a powerful platform. Through personal essays and multimedia stories published on EdSurge, fellows share real‑time strategies for tackling today's toughest teaching challenges. If you're a K‑12 educator or school leader with a story to tell and a vision for the future, this fellowship can put your insights in front of a national audience. This step‑by‑step guide walks you through everything you need to know to prepare a strong application and become part of the next cohort.
What You Need
- Eligibility: You must be a current K‑12 classroom educator, instructional coach, administrator, or other school‑based leader.
- Experience: A track record of implementing innovative practices, especially those involving technology, AI, or student‑centered learning.
- Writing samples: At least one example of your writing (blog posts, articles, social media threads) or a sample multimedia story (video, podcast, slides).
- Time commitment: Willingness to contribute one essay or multimedia piece per month during the fellowship year (typically 10 months).
- Access to EdSurge platform: Familiarity with the publication and its audience is helpful, but not required.
- A clear story idea: A concrete example of how you’re navigating change in your school or classroom.
Step‑by‑Step Application Guide
Step 1: Understand the Fellowship Mission and Focus
Before you start writing, take time to absorb the program’s core purpose. The Voices of Change Fellowship is not about theory—it’s about real stories from the field. Fellows are expected to highlight how they are reimagining instructional approaches, roles, and systems. The program values authenticity, innovation, and the ability to connect personal experience to larger shifts in education. Read recent essays from past fellows on EdSurge to get a feel for the tone, depth, and length (typically 800–1,200 words for essays, or a 5‑10 minute multimedia piece). Pay attention to the balance between personal narrative and actionable advice.
Step 2: Reflect on Your Classroom Experience and Innovative Practices
Think deeply about a challenge you’ve faced—or an opportunity you’ve seized—that illustrates how teaching and learning are changing. Ask yourself: What did I do that made a difference? How did AI or technology play a role? What surprised me? What would I tell other educators? Jot down three to five potential story angles. The most compelling applications come from a specific, vivid moment rather than a broad overview. For example, instead of “I use AI in my classroom,” focus on “How a single chatbot conversation changed my students’ approach to research.”
Step 3: Draft a Compelling First‑Person Essay or Plan a Multimedia Story
Choose the format that best suits your message. If you’re more comfortable writing, craft an essay with a clear narrative arc: situation, challenge, action, outcome, and reflection. If you prefer video or audio, outline a storyboard with key visuals or soundbites. In either case, include specific examples and data when possible. The selection committee looks for originality, emotional resonance, and practical takeaways. Write in your authentic voice—don’t try to sound like a journalist. Use short paragraphs and subheadings to make your draft easy to read.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Materials and Samples
In addition to your main piece, you’ll need to submit evidence of your ability to communicate effectively. This could be a link to a blog post, a video you created for a professional development session, or even a series of tweets that went viral. If you have student work samples (with permission), photographs, or data from an action research project, include those as well. Organize everything in a single folder or document with clear labels.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form
When the application window opens, fill out the official form carefully. You’ll be asked for basic information, a short bio, a summary of your story idea (200–300 words), and a link to your sample work. Double‑check that your contact details are correct and that any hyperlinks work. Proofread your summary for clarity and impact. If the form allows, paste a brief excerpt from your essay to give reviewers a taste of your writing style.
Step 6: Submit by the Deadline and Prepare for Selection
Mark the submission deadline on your calendar and aim to submit at least a week early. Late submissions are rarely considered. After you submit, you can expect to hear back within 4–6 weeks. Use the waiting period to strengthen your professional portfolio or practice creating multimedia content. If you’re not selected, don’t be discouraged—many applicants reapply with refined stories. The program values persistence and growth.
Step 7: If Selected, Commit to Sharing Throughout the Academic Year
Accepted fellows agree to produce one piece per month (or as outlined by the program). You’ll receive editorial support from the EdSurge team and join a cohort of like‑minded educators. Take advantage of networking opportunities and feedback sessions. Your stories will be promoted on EdSurge and through ISTE+ASCD channels, giving you a national platform to influence edtech conversations. Use the fellowship to build your thought leadership and connect with others who are shaping the future of learning.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early. Refining a story takes time. Don’t rush the draft.
- Be specific. Generic statements like “technology is important” won’t stand out. Instead, talk about a particular tool, lesson, or student interaction.
- Show vulnerability. The best stories include moments of doubt, failure, or unexpected learning. Readers connect with honesty.
- Align with ISTE+ASCD values. Mention how your work connects to the ISTE Standards or ASCD’s Whole Child approach if relevant.
- Get feedback. Ask a colleague or mentor to read your essay and give you candid notes.
- Consider multimedia. Even if you’re a writer, a short video or podcast can showcase another skill and increase your chances.
- Follow instructions exactly. If the form asks for a 300‑word summary, don’t write 500 words. Adherence shows professionalism.
Good luck with your application. The Voices of Change Fellowship is an incredible opportunity to make your classroom voice heard—and to inspire educators across the country.