The EdSurge Voices of Change Writing Fellowship gives working educators a platform to tell their own stories in their own words, publishing first-person essays on the issues shaping classrooms and schools across America. Now in its sixth annual cohort, the program has grown into one of the most visible channels for authentic educator voice in U.S. education media.
About the Voices of Change Writing Fellowship Program
Administered by EdSurge, an editorially independent digital news site operated under ISTE+ASCD, and supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the fellowship pairs selected educators with an experienced fellowship editor who guides them from pitch to publication. The 2026/2027 cohort centers on a single thematic focus: how educators and students are navigating the rapid rise of AI and technology in curriculum, instructional practice, and student engagement. Published essays appear on the EdSurge site, the ISTE+ASCD Blog, and across both organizations’ social media channels.
Funding Size
- No monetary stipend or grant is provided
- Fellows receive professional editorial support, publication on a nationally recognized education platform, and visibility across EdSurge and ISTE+ASCD audiences
Who Can Apply
- Current educators and school leaders working in U.S. K-12 or higher education settings
- Applicants must have a genuine story to tell about teaching, learning, or school leadership
- The program welcomes educators from public, charter, and independent schools across diverse backgrounds and roles
Geographic Eligibility
- United States only
Sector or Thematic Focus
- AI and technology in curriculum and instructional practice
- Student engagement in an era of rapid technological change
- Educator identity, equity, and lived classroom experience
- School leadership and systemic challenges facing education today
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the EdSurge fellowship portal when the window is open. The process requires a resume, writing samples or portfolio, a recommendation letter, and a well-developed story pitch. Fellowship editors work with selected fellows throughout the year to develop and publish their essays.
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Required Materials
- Resume
- Writing samples or journalism portfolio
- Recommendation letter
- One well-developed story pitch relevant to the current cohort theme
Key Dates
- The 2026/2027 cohort has been selected; applications are currently closed
- Next application window: contact fellowship@iste.org to be notified when it opens
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Selection Notes
- Six fellows are selected per annual cohort through a competitive review process
- Strong story pitches with a clear perspective and relevance to the current theme carry significant weight
- The program is open to educators at all career stages and from all school types