Overcoming Resistance to Change:
Addressing Barriers to Building a Culture of Improvement in School Leadership
For more from Marc Cohen, visit www.theleadershiplink.net.
Change is tough. Anyone who has led in a school knows that shifting the status quo—no matter how necessary—can feel like pushing a boulder uphill. Whether it’s implementing a new curriculum, adopting an instructional framework, or revamping school policies, resistance is inevitable.
But resistance isn’t just about people being difficult. It’s about fear, uncertainty, and, at times, a lack of trust in the system. The challenge for school leaders isn’t just to introduce change—it’s to bring people along in a way that feels purposeful and manageable.
Now, with seismic shifts happening in education policy—including the proposed dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education—school leaders are navigating even greater uncertainty. In times like these, fostering a culture of improvement isn’t just about new programs; it’s about strengthening schools from within, so they remain resilient no matter what political changes come down the pipeline.
Understanding Resistance: Why Change Feels So Hard
Resistance to change is natural, and in schools, it’s often tied to a few key fears:
Loss of Stability: Schools operate on rhythm and routine. Disrupting that can be unsettling.
Fear of Incompetence: Educators want to feel effective. New initiatives can make even veteran teachers feel like beginners again.
Lack of Trust in Leadership: If past changes have been top-down and ineffective, skepticism builds.
Initiative Fatigue: If everything is “urgent” and constantly shifting, people disengage.
The good news? Resistance doesn’t mean people don’t care. In fact, it often means they care deeply and want to get it right. The key for leaders is to acknowledge these concerns and build a bridge forward.
Leading Through Resistance: What Works
1. Make the “Why” Clear and Compelling
People don’t resist change—they resist change they don’t understand or see value in. Leaders need to articulate why a change matters, how it connects to student success, and what’s at stake if nothing changes.
2. Involve People Early and Often
No one likes a surprise overhaul. Involving staff, families, and students in decision-making builds ownership. When people have a say, they’re more likely to support the shift.
3. Train, Don’t Just Tell
Rolling out an initiative without ongoing training is a recipe for failure. Investing in professional learning and coaching helps people build confidence and see change as an opportunity, not a threat.
4. Address Emotional Responses Head-On
Resistance isn’t just about logistics—it’s about emotions. Leaders who acknowledge concerns, validate feelings, and create space for dialogue are more likely to see long-term buy-in.
5. Pilot and Adjust
Big, sweeping changes rarely stick. Starting with small pilots, gathering feedback, and refining the process shows that leadership is responsive and thoughtful.
6. Celebrate Wins (Even Small Ones)
Recognizing progress—whether it’s a team successfully implementing a new instructional strategy or a teacher trying something new—keeps momentum going.
The Bigger Picture: Leading in a Time of Political Change
The push to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education adds another layer of uncertainty for school leaders. The rationale behind this move is to shift control to states and local districts, but it also raises concerns about funding, accountability, and civil rights protections (National Education Association, 2025).
Without federal oversight, school leaders may face:
Funding Uncertainty: Programs like Title I and IDEA may be restructured, forcing districts to advocate harder for resources.
Policy Fragmentation: Education policies may become more inconsistent across states, making long-term planning more difficult.
Equity Concerns: Federal civil rights protections could weaken, putting vulnerable student populations at risk.
While no one knows exactly how this will play out, one thing is clear: local school leadership has never been more important. Leaders who can build strong school cultures, navigate change effectively, and advocate for their students will be the ones who keep their communities strong, no matter what shifts at the federal level.
Moving Forward: What School Leaders Can Do Now
Stay Informed – Keep up with policy changes at the state and federal levels so you can anticipate challenges before they hit.
Strengthen Local Advocacy – Build relationships with local policymakers to ensure schools get the resources and support they need.
Focus on What You Can Control – While big policy changes may be out of your hands, the culture you create in your school isn’t.
Double Down on Equity – As funding structures change, make sure marginalized students don’t get left behind.
Support Your People – Teachers, staff, and families are all experiencing uncertainty. Clear, consistent leadership makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Change is never easy, but schools don’t have to be victims of shifting political tides. By addressing resistance with empathy, involving stakeholders, and staying focused on what matters most—student success—leaders can create schools that thrive, no matter the challenges ahead.
References
National Education Association. (2025). How dismantling the Department of Education would harm students. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/how-dismantling-department-education-would-harm-students
Times Union. (2025). Editorial: An attack on education. Retrieved from https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/editorial-attack-education-20235679.php