What resistance in coaching reveals and how to meet it with care.
Every instructional coach has experienced it. That moment when a teacher on your caseload resists the support you are offering. Resistance is a real part of the work, and while we sometimes personalize it, it often is not personal.
Sometimes, resistance stems from how the coaching experience is introduced. If the process is not clearly framed around support and partnership, teachers may bring guardedness from past negative experiences with other coaches. That mistrust can show up as resistance, and it takes time to rebuild trust.
We are also navigating a post-pandemic era that has increased both the workload and stress levels for teachers. Many are experiencing burnout. Even teachers who show up with the best intentions may fear judgment, especially in environments where they feel constantly evaluated. That fear can lead to hesitation or withdrawal during coaching. When that happens, it is essential to remind them that coaching is not about judgment. It is about support.
I always tried to be clear that my agenda was their agenda and that we would work on it one step at a time. I also made it a point to communicate with administrators that while I could provide general updates on progress, I would maintain the confidentiality of coaching conversations. Teachers need to know they can trust the process and the person leading it.
When you begin to reflect on the resistance, you also begin to reframe it. Coaching requires self-awareness. Yes, resistance may stem from external factors, but it is also worth asking yourself: Is there anything I can adjust in my approach? Feedback, even when uncomfortable, can offer clues for growth.
Sometimes resistance is an invitation. A signal to deepen the relationship, ask better questions, or simply slow down. For a teacher new to coaching, it may take longer to build momentum. For others, it might mean narrowing the focus to one or two achievable goals. In both cases, returning to the reason behind the work and the goals you agreed upon can help center the coaching process.
Resistance does not mean the coaching is failing. It means you are being invited into a deeper layer of the work. One that, when navigated with care, can turn even the most hesitant teacher into your strongest advocate.
Even when a teacher resists, there is still hope as long as they are showing up. Resistance is not the end of the story. Sometimes, it is just the first chapter.
