Teachers’ willingness to change is about alignment and agency
Teachers are often seen as resistant to change — but is that fair? Research shows that teachers’ willingness to change isn’t about stubbornness; it’s about alignment and agency. When new policies or innovations match a teacher’s educational vision, they are far more likely to embrace them. But when imposed top-down, without room for adaptation, even highly engaged teachers may push back.
True change happens when teachers can exercise their professional judgment, not just follow orders. It requires flexibility in educational design, allowing teachers to adapt innovations to their local context.
In short: Teachers are not passive recipients of reform — they are active agents. To drive meaningful improvement, we must create space for teachers to make sense of change, collaborate, and bring innovations to life in their own classrooms.
If you want sustainable change, invest in teacher agency. Change grows from within.