Why is Inclusive Change so Freaking Hard? The Six Stages of Transformation

Transcript [pdf]

SHOW NOTES

Key Takeaways

• • Change is hard—not just because it's different, but because it disrupts routines, challenges beliefs, and requires a shift in identity.
  • Inclusive education requires systems change, and most educators experience resistance at first.
  • The Six Stages of Inclusive Systems Change help us predict and support the emotional and professional journey of educators.
  • The “Danger Zone” is real—if schools stay stuck in early resistance stages too long, they risk abandoning inclusion altogether.
  • Moving educators forward is like teaching students—use scaffolding, support, and structured steps to help them progress.

Episode Download/Handout

Loved the podcast? Take the next step! Download “The Inclusive System Change Cycle“ to understand the six key stages of change and how to lead your team through the ups and downs of building an inclusive school. This free resource provides a clear framework to help school leaders navigate resistance, foster collaboration, and sustain meaningful change.

Highlights from the Handout

• • Julie’s Favorite: Understanding that loss, doubt, and discomfort are normal and part of the process.
  • Kristie’s Favorite: Watching schools go from resistance to full buy-in, where inclusion becomes part of their identity and culture.

Practical Tips

1) Use a “Staff Scatterplot” to Track Progress

• • Sketch out your team and identify where they are in the six stages. Some teachers are ready for full inclusion (Stage 5–6), while others are resistant (Stage 1–3).
  • Focus on moving people forward one step at a time. Don’t expect immediate buy-in from everyone.

2) Coach Educators the Way You’d Teach Students

• • Scaffold the learning—break inclusion into bite-sized, actionable steps.
  • Pair resistant teachers with inclusion advocates for hands-on coaching.
  • Celebrate small wins so educators see progress before they believe in the bigger change.

3) Call Out the “Danger Zone” & Keep Moving Forward

• • If a school stays stuck in stages 1-3 too long, leadership often abandons the effort and returns to old exclusionary practices.
  • Set clear milestones: By [X date], we will have co-teaching strategies in place. By [Y date], we will have inclusive lesson plans in every grade level.

Call to Action

• • Get the FREE Download: You’ll need to enter your email to get the download – please know we respect your privacy and will never spam you. Unsubscribe anytime.)
  • Get the book and read Chapter 7 of The Way to Inclusion for a deeper dive into the Six Stages framework.  
  • Ready to make your school truly inclusive? Join our FREE workshop: Strategies Every Administrator Needs for Inclusive Education! Gain powerful insights and practical resources. Shift mindsets, manage change, and clarify LRE.
  • Share this episode with school leaders struggling with inclusion—it could change everything!