The Rider & The Elephant: Why Teachers Resist Change (And How to Fix It)

"⚠️ ""Your teachers know what to do (rider)—but they're scared to try it (elephant).""

@JonOrr on the psychology of teacher change and how to motivate both brain and heart:

🧠 The Naked Truth About Change Resistance:
→ The Rider = Logical mind (understands research, effect sizes)
→ The Elephant = Emotional mind (fears failure, discomfort, judgment)
→ If the elephant refuses—the rider can’t force it

🎯 Why Most PD Fails:

We only talk to the rider (data, research, logic)

We ignore the elephant (fears, habits, emotional safety)

We don’t provide enough “glimpses” of success

🛠️ 3 Ways to Motivate the Elephant:
1️⃣ The “Video Case Study” → Show real teachers using dialogic instruction (warts and all)
2️⃣ The “Safe Practice” Session → Role-play with colleagues before trying with students
3️⃣ The “Small Win” Pathway → Start with one routine (e.g., “Which One Doesn’t Belong?”) not full lessons

💡 ""Change doesn’t happen when teachers understand—it happens when they feel capable.""

📢 What’s Your “Elephant’s” Biggest Fear?
👉 “Looking foolish in front of students”
👉 “Losing control of the classroom”
👉 “Not being able to answer student questions”
(Vote below—let’s normalize these fears!) 👇

Need to know what to focus on now? -- go here: https://growyourmathprogram.com
Ready to create a sustainable math improvement plan? -- go here: https://makemathmoments.com/discovery/

#TeacherPD #EducationalPsychology #ChangeManagement #DialogicInstruction"

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