Focus on the Teacher: Experiences of an Elementary Music Teacher with ADHD

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Diversity and Disruption Toward Equitable and Inclusive Education (Table 28)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the phenomenon of ADHD in the professional life of an elementary general music educator. Drawing from autophenomenographic and autoethnographic approaches, I inquire:
In what ways do I perceive that my ADHD affected my practice as an elementary music teacher?
What compensatory strategies did I use to mitigate perceived ADHD-related challenges in my teaching career?
How do my experiences and perceptions align with existing research on ADHD?
Data include journals, personal social media, and classroom photographs and videos. Findings include perceived ADHD benefits (including creativity, humor, passion), struggles (including working memory, time awareness, and impulsivity), and various mitigating strategies. I hope this personal exploration will encourage colleagues to share their ADHD-related teaching experiences.

Author

• Corinne Galligan, University of Michigan