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International Society for Transforming Education: A New Era Begins

In an exciting development for educators around the globe, ISTE+ASCD has announced that it will be rebranded as the International Society for Transforming Education (ISTE). This change, revealed during the opening keynote at the ISTELive and ASCD Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida, signifies a commitment to advancing educational practices that are more aligned with students’ unique needs.

A New Name Reflecting a Mission

Richard Culatta, the CEO, alongside Jeremy Owoh, the Board President, presented this new identity, aligning it with the organization's overarching goal of helping educators improve learning outcomes for all students. Their assertion that “education is at an inflection point” highlights a crucial transition in teaching methodologies where traditional approaches are challenged by the evolving needs of learners.

The necessity for high-quality, tailored learning experiences has never been more vital, and the new name articulates this mission more clearly than ever before. It emphasizes the organization’s commitment to strategies that support individual learners by integrating technology, pedagogical practices, and instructional strategies.

Historical Background and Merger

The rebranding comes after a significant merger in 2023, uniting two long-standing organizations traditionally dedicated to fostering educational excellence — ISTE and ASCD. This coalition has led the way in rethinking how education is delivered to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. With technology at the forefront, the newly named organization believes in leveraging these advancements to enrich the learning atmosphere significantly.

Continuing Support and Resources

As part of this new phase, membership, educator certifications, and professional learning programs remain fully operational, ensuring continuity for existing members. The organization maintains a robust framework known as the Transformational Learning Principles, guiding educators to design learning experiences that are not only engaging but tailored to meet the needs of learners in a diverse landscape.

Technology as a Catalyst

Technology is highlighted as one of the crucial levers for educational transformation. Culatta emphasized that while technology plays a pivotal role, it works best when integrated with robust instructional strategies and responsive teaching practices aimed at enhancing students’ classroom experiences. The organization seeks to empower educators to embrace these tools while remaining adept to teach effectively.

A Global Commitment

With a presence in over 85 countries and a significant membership base exceeding 80,000 educators, ISTE is determined to support the wider educational community through reliable standards and research-backed insights. They aim to ensure that instructional leaders can confidently implement changes that positively impact educational outcomes.

This evolution into the International Society for Transforming Education is not just about a new name; it marks a renewed promise of commitment toward a future where every student has access to meaningful, high-quality learning opportunities.

To learn more about the International Society for Transforming Education and its vision, visit iste-ascd.org.