Pledge FAQs

The pledge was launched in June 2022 to galvanize EPP leaders and faculty to prioritize strategies and drive system change that prepares new graduates to be ready for success in today’s evolving learning environments.

ISTE+ASCD developed the pledge with a range of stakeholders providing feedback, including EPP leaders, faculty and professional associations.

EPP leadership and faculty champions become part of a community of forward-thinking programs that share strategies for driving transformation. 

• We host virtual and in-person roundtables and webinars with expert guests and facilitated breakout discussions. 
• We host a private online community of practice to foster year-round collaboration.
• We sponsor free or steeply discounted opportunities for leaders, faculty and teacher candidates. 
• We promote research and research-based tools that help programs identify their areas of strength in the pledge principles and areas for improvement.
• We promote EPPs on our website, share an Alliance member logo for EPP websites and provide a press release template.

EPP administrators and executive leaders who can sign on behalf of the EPP. Typically, this means a leader in the Dean's Office and Program Directors. We recommend socializing the pledge principles with faculty to build buy for principles.

Individuals who have the authority to sign the pledge and represent the entire program can sign the pledge. We recommend sharing the pledge principles and resources with your EPP leader to get the conversation started. You can get specific questions answered by contacting ISTE+ASCD through the contact form on the pledge webpage.

No, it is not binding.

After an authorized leader signs the pledge, your EPP will be part of  the Alliance for Innovation in Teacher Education. You and others you identify will be able to engage in events and participate in special opportunities. Upon signing, ISTE+ASCD will reach out within two to five business days with:

• A survey for you to complete about your program.
• A pledge badge for your website.
• Invitation to the private community of practice in our Connect platform for you and others, including faculty champions who will engage with the Alliance.
• A press release template.

If not the EPP lead administrator, a good choice is a faculty champion who has interest or expertise in digital transformation with technology.

The pledge is a first step toward continuous improvement, but accreditation decisions do not rely on the pledge. The pledge is a commitment to start or build on efforts to update curriculum, provide faculty professional learning and ensure candidates have a broad range of experiences in online and blended learning. These efforts may provide documentation for your accreditation submission or site visit, but they are not a requirement of accreditation.

No. This effort is about how to transform teaching and learning using technology. It does not focus on the technical aspects of choosing or using platforms, devices, tools or applications, and it doesn’t make recommendations or certify technology. However, the EdTech Index includes third-party validations that can support your decision-making.

Currently, there are no membership fees for the Alliance. In 2026, we will begin instituting a modest program membership. We are keenly aware that funding is very tight and every dollar matters, so we will make this reasonable for EPPs and for us to provide an excellent experience for participating EPPs. 

Your data will not be used for purposes other than communicating information about the pledge program and news about resources and events to help you meet the goals of the pledge from supporting organizations.