A Teacher’s Guide to Change: Understanding, Navigating, and Leading the Process

Change in education is inevitable. Throughout their careers, teachers will face a myriad of changes, both inside and outside of the classroom. This valuable professional development resource demonstrates how K-12 teachers can anticipate and respond to change in creative, advantageous ways that can enhance their career satisfaction and effectiveness as professionals. Emphasizing that change is something teachers can understand, manage, become invested in, and even champion, the authors provide practical skills for facing and adjusting to change, whether it is mandated or a personal choice. Offering a wealth of conceptual, reflective, interpersonal, and strategic tools, this guide also includes: reflections from a survey of 100 teachers who share their experiences with change as well as advice and encouragement, inviting educators to learn from each other; a five-step process for initiating and implementing plans for change; research-based strategies for leading change, both in smaller and larger spheres of influence; vivid examples that can be directly applied to personal experience; and, reflective exercises to assist teachers in understanding and approaching change. This accessible resource is invaluable for both new and experienced teachers. Whether or not change is voluntary, opportunities for professional growth are abundant, leading to improved student learning and greater teacher retention.