Why Some Teachers Resist Change and What Principals Can Do About It

Schools across the country are pressured to reform by federal and state mandates. Because resistance is a major factor in reform failure, it is crucial for principals to discover why teachers resist change. This article explores the leadership and organizational change literature regarding some common barriers to change. Research-based strategies to promote change readiness and steps to overcome resistance are provided, including shared decision making, collaboration, professional development, principal's modeling, and preparedness for limiting forces of resistance.