By Nichole Cleland-Bittner, Arizona State University. Part of Nichole’s neurodiversity newsletter series, written during her Parents2Partners internship.
Teachers with ADHD bring real strengths to the classroom, including creativity, enthusiasm, and out of the box thinking. They also face challenges with focus, time, and organization. These strategies help.
Get organized
- Use a planner or digital calendar with reminders for lessons, meetings, and deadlines.
- Break big tasks into small steps.
- Prioritize by urgency and importance, such as high, medium, and low.
- Make a realistic daily to do list and check items off.
- Use timers to focus on one task at a time.
- Give frequently used items a set home.
- Use sticky notes, whiteboards, or bulletin boards as visual reminders.
- Color code work, personal, and leisure tasks.
- Turn off notifications during planning time.
- Reward yourself when you stay on track.
Set up your classroom for success
- Create structure. Consistent routines help you and your students.
- Minimize distractions in noise and visual clutter.
- Add movement and hands on activities. They help you and your students stay engaged.
- Delegate. Ask colleagues or students for help with some tasks.
- Consider being open. Depending on students’ ages, sharing a little about ADHD can build an understanding classroom.
- Use technology for time management and organization.
Take care of yourself
Sleep, exercise, and time to unwind all matter. Mindfulness can help with focus. Share your goals with people who can encourage you, and if ADHD is getting in the way, a health care professional can offer personalized strategies and support.
Everyone with ADHD is different. Be patient with yourself and keep adjusting until you find what works.