Teaching with ADHD: The Challenge, the Chaos, and the Creativity

Some days, I feel like I’m juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—on a Zoom call.

Generated with Firefly AI

That’s life as a teacher with ADHD.

People often associate ADHD with kids, daydreamers in the back of the class, impulsive behavior, or forgotten homework. But ADHD doesn’t disappear when we grow up. For many of us, it follows us into adulthood—and for some, it’s not diagnosed until we’re already deep into our careers.

I’m one of those people. And I’m also a teacher.

The Daily Challenges

Teaching is a job that requires organization, multitasking, emotional regulation, time management, and attention to detail. You know, all the things that ADHD loves to mess with.

Here’s what that can look like for me:

• 🧭 Planning paralysis. I can see all the possibilities, ideas, and resources. But choosing one direction and sticking to it? That’s the hard part.

  🕳️🐇 Hyperfocus rabbit holes. I’ll spend three hours crafting the perfect lesson slide deck—only to realize I forgot to eat lunch 🍽️ or respond to emails 📬.

  🔔😵‍💫 Distraction everywhere. Notifications, background noise, even my own thoughts—anything can derail my focus mid-task.

  🤔📅 Forgetfulness. Did I already schedule that meeting? Did I reply to that parent? Did I upload the right file? (Maybe… maybe not.)

  ⏰🌀 Time blindness. Five minutes and thirty minutes feel the same, which means I’m either way early ⏳ or slightly (okay, very) late 🏃‍♀️.

And then there’s the executive function fatigue—that mental exhaustion that comes not from the work itself, but from trying to manage how I do the work.

The Hidden Strengths

But here’s the thing: ADHD doesn’t just bring challenges. It also comes with superpowers, especially in teaching.

• Creativity. My brain is wired to think outside the box. I come up with unique ways to engage

  

  Generated by Firefly AI

  
  students, blend platforms, or explain concepts from a fresh angle.

• Empathy. I know what it’s like to struggle with focus, to feel overwhelmed, to miss a step. I extend grace and flexibility to students because I need it, too.

• Energy. When I’m in my zone, I bring enthusiasm and momentum that energizes my students, even through a screen.

• Adaptability. Teaching in a virtual environment means things change constantly. I’m used to thinking on my feet and pivoting fast.

• Relentless curiosity. I chase ideas, explore tools, and dive deep into topics because my mind wants stimulation, and my students often benefit from that passion.

Finding What Works

photo from Pexels

Teaching with ADHD means I’ve had to build systems that support my brain rather than fight it. Here are a few strategies that help me stay afloat:

• 
  Visual systems: Color-coded calendars, sticky notes, and visual checklists help me stay on track.

• Timers and alarms: Time blindness is real, so I set external reminders to cue transitions and deadlines. I use my Alexa to set quick, short timers throughout the day to keep me on schedule.

• Chunked tasks: Breaking big projects into small, manageable parts makes them feel less overwhelming. I don't only put the end due date on my calendar, I also put each step on the calendar to ensure a steady stream of dopamine as I make progress. 

• Digital tools: I use apps like Google Tasks, Calendar, and Goblin Tools to remind me of what I need to do. I use Schedule Send so that I can draft as the mood strikes, but respect professional boundaries. Finally, my smartwatch houses multiple reminders, alarms and, importantly, helps me find my phone when I misplace that at least 1000 times a day.

• Compassion: I’ve learned not to beat myself up for needing support. Asking for help or making adjustments doesn’t make me less capable—it makes me sustainable.

Why I Keep Going

Some days are messy. Some days I feel behind before the morning meeting even starts. But I keep showing up—because I know my neurodivergence doesn’t make me a lesser teacher. It makes me a different kind of teacher. And sometimes, different is exactly what a student needs.

So if you’re a teacher with ADHD—or love someone who is—know this:

You are not alone. You are not broken. And you are absolutely enough.

Even if your to-do list is on three different sticky notes and you forgot where you put your coffee. (It’s probably in the microwave.)