How Do We Keep Producing Jedis in Education? Turning Resistance Into Leadership Feedback

In education, we often talk about “producing Jedis”—teachers who lead with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to student success. But what happens when a promising Jedi starts drifting toward the “dark side”? When a once-energized educator becomes resistant, disengaged, or openly critical of new initiatives?

Too often, school leaders interpret this resistance as defiance, laziness, or negativity. But resistance in education is rarely about rebellion—it’s feedback.

Resistance Isn’t Defiance—It’s a Signal

Many educators enter the profession with a deep desire to make a difference. Yet over time, even the most passionate can become disillusioned. Why?

It’s rarely because they “just want to cause trouble.” More often, it’s because:

• They weren’t consulted on decisions that affect their daily work
• The support promised doesn’t match their real needs
• They don’t feel psychologically safe to speak honestly
• They’ve lost sight of how their efforts connect to a shared vision

In other words: resistance emerges when trust, communication, or alignment breaks down.

“If people aren’t being honest with you, that’s not a staff problem—it’s a leadership problem.”

A Leadership Wake-Up Call

Early in my career, I hired a brilliant, mission-driven teacher—the kind of educator you’d call a “Jedi in the making.” But over time, she grew quiet, then critical, then openly resistant to school-wide initiatives.

My first instinct? Label her as “part of the problem.”
My better instinct? Look in the mirror.

Through anonymous surveys, listening sessions, and one-on-one conversations, I discovered the truth:

• I’d rolled out changes without meaningful input
• My “open-door policy” felt performative—not safe
• The support I offered wasn’t the support they needed

Just like in relationships, poor communication erodes trust—even in schools. And when educators don’t feel heard, they disengage. Not out of malice—but out of self-preservation.

How to Cultivate Jedis (Not Drive Them Away)

To keep producing Jedis in education, leaders must treat resistance not as opposition—but as a call to reconnect. Here’s how:

1. Clarify the Shared Vision

Ensure every team member understands why initiatives matter—and how their role contributes to student success.

2. Co-Create Key Actions & Metrics

Involve staff in defining what success looks like and how it will be measured. Ownership breeds commitment. search confirms this: a landmark review of school leadership effectiveness found that “when teachers feel their voices are ignored, even well-designed initiatives fail”

3. Align on Real Support

Ask: “What do you actually need to succeed?” Then deliver it—whether it’s planning time, coaching, or resources.

4. Build Psychological Safety

An open door isn’t enough. Create anonymous feedback channels, honor vulnerability, and act on what you hear.

5. See Resistance as Data

When pushback arises, ask: “What is this telling me about our culture, communication, or alignment?”

Final Thought: The Jedi Path Is a Shared Journey

True educational leadership isn’t about commanding compliance—it’s about cultivating conditions where Jedis can thrive. That means listening deeply, leading with humility, and recognizing that every act of resistance is an invitation to lead better.

So if you’re seeing resistance on your team, don’t shut it down.
Lean in. Listen. Learn.
Because your next Jedi might be waiting for you to finally hear them.