#192: The Resistance Solution in Action: An Instructional Leader's Perspective Artwork

Coaching the Whole Educator

Coaching the Whole Educator is a podcast for instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and school leaders who want to strengthen their educators’ effectiveness and resilience, especially the ones who need it most. Each week, you’ll hear quick tips, proven strategies, and coaching mindsets designed to keep you on top of your coaching game.

This show is rooted in a human-centered approach, where we get things done through people’s humanity, not around it. Whether you’re new to instructional coaching or a seasoned instructional coach or leader looking for fresh perspective, you’ll learn how to focus on the mindsets and motivations driving unproductive behaviors. By getting to the root of resistance, you’ll discover how to build stronger relationships, lead with clarity, and create lasting impact in your school.

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Coaching the Whole Educator

#192: The Resistance Solution in Action: An Instructional Leader's Perspective

June 07, 2026 • Becca Silver • Season 4 • Episode 192

0:00 | 40:55

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What does The Resistance Solution actually look like in a real school?

In this episode, Chrystin Sheffield shares how the book transformed the way she leads.

She talks about how it helped her:

• Stop taking teacher resistance personally and start diagnosing what's really driving it

• Navigate difficult conversations with less frustration and more confidence

• Give walkthrough feedback that feels meaningful instead of repetitive

• Build trust more intentionally instead of simply hoping relationships develop

• Create accountability without creating defensiveness

• Understand why teachers say "I don't have time" and how to respond in a way that actually helps

• Move beyond surface-level coaching conversations to uncover root causes

One of my favorite moments was hearing Chrystin say that before reading the book, she often felt like she should have all the answers as a leader. What she discovered instead was that the most powerful thing she could do wasn't solve the problem for people. It was understand the unmet need underneath the resistance.

This conversation is about what happened when the ideas in the book were applied in a real school by a real leader facing real challenges.

If you're a principal, assistant principal, coach, or district leader who has ever wondered why feedback isn't sticking, coaching conversations aren't leading to change, or teachers seem resistant despite your best efforts, I think you'll see yourself in this conversation.

📘 Grab The Resistance Solution HERE.

(And you can find it at all major book outlets)