Are Neurodivergent Teachers Hiding Who They Are at School? with Jennifer Osborne

How many teachers walk into their classroom every day hiding a part of themselves? Rick and Tisha sit down with Dr. Jennifer Osborne, Assistant Principal and founder of Neuro-AFFIRMing Schools, to talk about what it really costs neurodivergent educators to stay silent.

Jennifer's PhD research explored the lived experiences of neurodivergent educators, and she brings that research — plus her own story — into a conversation that gets honest fast. They dig into the silent grief of a late diagnosis, why disclosure at work can feel like a risk not worth taking, and why ADHD is treated so differently to autism in schools. From sensory-friendly classrooms to personalized learning to what it actually takes to build neuro-inclusive systems, this episode makes the case that supporting neurodivergent teachers isn't optional — it's essential to keeping great educators in the profession.

Honest, moving, and full of practical insight for any school leader who wants to do better.

00:00 Introduction to Neurodivergency and Personal Experiences
05:09 Introducing Jennifer Osborne and Her Work
09:36 Jennifer's Journey in Education and Neurodiversity
13:01 Research Insights on Neurodivergent Educators
17:09 The Importance of Community and Support for Neurodivergent Educators
22:20 The Silent Grief of Neurodivergent Educators
25:11 Challenges of Disclosure in Education
31:35 Creating Equitable Environments for Educators
37:44 The Importance of Sensory-Friendly Classrooms
39:30 Personalized Learning and Neurodivergence
46:18 Connecting Through Shared Experiences
46:32 Understanding Neurodivergence in Education
49:42 The Importance of Neuro-Inclusive Systems
52:58 Retention of Neurodivergent Educators
54:03 The Role of EdTech in Education
57:56 Personal Reflections and Cultural Connections

About Jennifer Osborne, Ph.D.Dr. Jennifer Osborne is an Assistant Principal in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the founder of Neuro-AFFIRMing Schools, a community dedicated to empowering neurodivergent educators and guiding school leaders in creating neuro-inclusive schools. Her Ph.D. dissertation research explored the experiences of neurodivergent educators in schools, and she is a fierce advocate for equity and inclusion.

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Website: Neuroaffirmingschools.com

Resources:

Newsletter.neuroaffirmingschools.com

Facebook group: Teachers with ADD/ADHD

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