Coaching Lessons from Toy Story

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Today’s blog post is a summer cartoon break that considers what we can learn about coaching from one of Pixar’s most beloved movie series, Toy Story. This iconic series has recently celebrated its 30^th anniversary and launched the new film, Toy Story 5.  
 
On the surface, Toy Story is about toys that come to life when people aren't looking. But beneath the humor and adventure is a story about leadership, relationships, collaboration, and learning to let others shine. Those themes have surprising parallels to the work instructional coaches do every day.
 
Leadership That Brings People Together

The original Toy Story begins as the toys are anxiously awaiting Andy's birthday. They know new presents are coming, and they worry about what those new toys might mean for their place in Andy's room. In the middle of all the uncertainty, the toys look to their leader, Woody, to devise a plan for uncovering the identity of the newcomers and helping everyone navigate the situation.

There's an important coaching lesson here.

Groups naturally look to leaders during times of uncertainty. Whether a school is adopting a new curriculum, implementing new instructional practices, or responding to changing expectations, teachers often need someone who can help them make sense of what's happening. Coaches may not be the official leaders of a building, but they are often trusted leaders of learning.

The most effective coaching leaders don't solve every problem themselves. Instead, they help teachers organize their thinking, identify next steps, and pull together around a common goal. They create calm when others feel overwhelmed and provide enough structure that progress feels possible. Like Woody gathering the toys together, coaches help people move from uncertainty toward purposeful action.

Helping Teachers See Their Value

One of the strongest themes near the beginning of the original Toy Story is the desire to be needed and loved. Woody begins to feel like a second-class citizen once the flashy new Buzz Lightyear arrives. He wonders if he still matters. He longs for Andy to remember the history they share and the simple joys that come from a well-loved toy.
Teachers aren't so different.

Every teacher wants to know that their work matters and that their unique contributions are seen. One of the greatest privileges of coaching is that we spend time in classrooms observing teachers in action. That gives us opportunities to notice strengths that teachers themselves may overlook.

As coaches, we can intentionally highlight those strengths. We can name effective practices, celebrate growth, and affirm the expertise teachers already possess. In the GIR coaching model, affirmation and praise are important coaching moves as teachers gain confidence with instructional practices. Rather than continuing to provide heavy support, we acknowledge what teachers are doing well and reinforce their growing independence.

One way to spotlight a teacher's strengths is to invite another teacher to observe that classroom at the beginning of a coaching partnership. Seeing a colleague successfully implement a strategy often feels more attainable than watching an outside expert. Of course, this approach comes with two cautions. First, both teachers should be comfortable with the arrangement so that everyone has a positive experience. Second, avoid creating the impression that only a select few teachers have expertise worth sharing. If classroom visits become part of your coaching work, make sure many different teachers have opportunities to serve as models. Every teacher has strengths that can benefit someone else.

Woody's jealousy of Buzz reminds us how quickly comparison can become destructive. Coaching should never unintentionally create winners and losers. Instead, it should help every teacher recognize the valuable contributions they bring to the learning community.

Collaboration Is Stronger Than Competition

The destructive effects of jealousy and competition become obvious as Woody and Buzz compete for the position of Andy's favorite toy. Misunderstandings grow, relationships suffer, and everyone loses.
Only when Woody and Buzz begin working together do they accomplish what neither could have done alone.
Schools sometimes face similar temptations. Evaluation systems, performance measures, or informal comparisons can create the impression that teachers are competing with one another. Coaches have an opportunity to shift that narrative.
Rather than focusing on individual competition, we can intentionally cultivate collaboration and interdependence. We help teachers open classroom doors, learn from one another, solve problems together, and celebrate collective success. As colleagues collaborate, they gain new perspectives, expand their instructional repertoire, and strengthen the entire school community. When rivals become partners—as Woody and Buzz eventually do in the original Toy Story —the outcome is better for everyone involved, especially students.

Shifting Roles
 
Woody also learns another difficult lesson. He discovers that it's okay not to be the center of attention. Although he remains important, he realizes he is part of something much larger than himself. His value doesn't depend on always being the star.
That's an important lesson for coaches as well.
Our role changes throughout a coaching partnership. Early on, we may provide more modeling, guidance, or recommendations. As teachers become increasingly confident and capable, however, our responsibility is to step back. We shift from directing to partnering, gradually transferring responsibility so teachers become less dependent on us and more confident in their own decision making. Our goal isn't to create teachers who need us forever. Our goal is to build capacity. We do that in different ways, but we are always there to help and serve.

Be the Trusted Companion
 
One more character is worth mentioning, even though he doesn't get nearly as much screen time as Woody or Buzz. Bullseye, Woody's faithful horse, is an example of quiet loyalty. He doesn't seek the spotlight or try to take charge. Instead, he stays close, responds immediately when Woody calls with a whistle, and faithfully accompanies him wherever the adventure leads.
 
Like Bullseye, instructional coaches aren't there to take over someone else's classroom or ride in and save the day. Instead, we become trusted companions who walk alongside teachers. We show up when we're needed. We listen. We encourage. We offer support. Sometimes we're leading, but often we're simply present, helping teachers navigate challenges with the confidence that someone is beside them.
 
Bullseye trusts the relationship he and Woody have built. In the same way, the strongest coaching partnerships are built on trust over time. Teachers know they can reach out when they need a thinking partner, and they know the coach will respond with encouragement.
 
An overlooked lessons from Toy Story is that the most valuable companions aren't always the loudest or the most noticeable. Sometimes they are simply the ones who, like Bullseye, faithfully show up, stay alongside us, and help us keep moving forward.
 
Like Woody, Buzz, and Bullseye, we'll certainly encounter challenges and unexpected twists along the coaching journey. Sometimes we'll lead, sometimes we'll collaborate, and sometimes we'll simply walk faithfully beside a teacher who needs a trusted companion. Woody and his friends carried on because of the joy they could bring to Andy. Coaches and teachers carry on because they understand the lasting influence that great teaching can have on the life of a child. Sometimes the best coaching lessons come from unexpected places—even a room full of toys.

This week, you might want to take a look at:

How we can miss trauma:

https://blog.heinemann.com/trauma-responsive-pedagogy-how-we-can-miss-trauma

 

Deepen literary analysis with these visual thinking exercises:

https://www.edutopia.org/video/3-visual-thinking-exercises-to-try-in-english-class

Emergent reader booklist for thinkers:

https://choiceliteracy.com/article/little-levels-big-thinking/

Ways to make faculty feel welcome:

https://www.fastcompany.com/3039232/5-ways-to-welcome-your-new-employee-to-the-workplace

That’s it for this week. Happy Coaching!

Want more coaching tips? Check out my book, Differentiated Mentoring & Coaching in Education: From Preservice Teacher to Expert Practitioner, available from Teachers College Press!  I’m so excited to share it with you! You can use the code: JUN2026 for 15% off. Click  here  and I’ll email you the free Book Group Study Guide that includes questions, prompts, and activities you can use as you share the book with colleagues.  I hope you’ll love this book as much as I loved making it for you!