Have you ever looked around your classroom—papers everywhere, a lesson half-planned, a to-do list still untouched—and thought:
“Why can’t I just get it together?”
If that’s you, I want to give you a big virtual hug 🤗 and invite you into this week’s conversation on Growing With Proficiency, the Podcast. Because this one is not about the best strategy for your students or the coolest game to spark engagement. This one is about YOU.
And it’s personal.
In this episode, I invited two of my closest friends and colleagues, Annabelle Williamson (aka La Maestra Loca) and Bertha Delgadillo, to talk about something many teachers deal with—some in silence, some without knowing: living and teaching with ADHD.
Both Annabelle and Bertha are powerhouse educators. They’re respected, followed, and admired by so many. But in this conversation, they shared their diagnosis stories, the real struggles behind the scenes, and the tools that are helping them not just survive, but also thrive.
And let me tell you… I learned so much.
The ADHD Diagnosis You Didn’t See Coming
Both Annabelle and Bertha were diagnosed with ADHD as adults. Their stories are different, but they share one big thing in common: for years, they thought their struggles were personal flaws.
For Annabelle, the signs were there—late nights working until 2 a.m., never feeling like her brain would shut off, a cycle of exhaustion and overwhelm. It wasn’t until a friend casually asked if she had ever looked into ADHD that something clicked. After pursuing a diagnosis, everything started to make sense. But it wasn’t easy. She was told by her doctor: “I won’t even treat you unless you start sleeping and drinking less—you’re headed for burnout.”
For Bertha, the realization came after hitting a wall while pursuing her doctoral degree. Despite her intelligence and dedication, she felt paralyzed. “I know what I need to do. I even have more resources than I need… but I’m stuck,” she told me. That’s when Annabelle shared her own journey—and encouraged Bertha to seek a diagnosis too. Bertha found a psychiatrist (an hour away, because local offices were fully booked for over a year), and finally got clarity.
It was expensive. It was emotional. And it was life-changing.
What ADHD Looks Like Behind the Scenes
When we hear ADHD, many of us picture a distracted student fidgeting in their seat. But as adults—especially as educators—the symptoms often look different and are deeply internal.
Here’s what Annabelle and Bertha shared:
What the world sees is just the tip—fidgeting, impulsivity, disorganization, being “too much” or “all over the place.” But under the surface?
- Decision paralysis
- Time blindness
- Overwhelm
- Anxiety
- Guilt and shame
- Executive functioning struggles
- Mood shifts and emotional dysregulation
As teachers, these challenges are magnified. Our jobs demand multitasking, constant flexibility, and managing the needs of dozens (sometimes hundreds!) of students—all while lesson planning, grading, emailing, and more.
But Also… ADHD Superpowers
What’s often left out of conversations about ADHD are the strengths—and Annabelle and Bertha embody them beautifully.
✨ They are deeply empathetic.
✨ They connect instantly with students who are overlooked or misunderstood.
✨ They are problem solvers and innovators.
✨ They’re creative, spontaneous, and full of heart.
✨ They bring unmatched energy into their classrooms.
Bertha shared, “I may not be organized in the traditional sense, but when there’s a problem, my brain activates. I have to find a solution.” During COVID, she dove into Jamboard as a way to connect with students and ended up training other teachers on it. That’s the kind of drive and focus that ADHD can bring when it’s channeled.
And both of them agree—one of the biggest gifts of being open about their ADHD is how it deepens their connection with students who might be struggling in similar ways.
ADHD Tools That Actually Help
Whether you have ADHD, suspect you might, or are just feeling stretched thin, here are a few strategies and tools that Annabelle and Bertha swear by:
Morning Routine (Start Small)
Annabelle used to say she wasn’t a morning person—until she built a 10-minute routine. She started with gentle stretching and gratitude journaling. Over time, she added affirmations, reflection, and eventually movement and breakfast. It helped with sleep, stress, and gave her space before the school day began.
The Kaizen Method
Feeling paralyzed by a big task? Break it into tiny steps. Not “write the unit plan”—just “open the document.” That’s it. One small action can break the cycle of inaction.
Asana + Finch
- Asana: a free project management tool that helps track deadlines, color-code tasks, and keep school, home, and personal life organized.
Finch: a self-care app that gamifies daily habits like drinking water, brushing your teeth, or getting out of bed. It’s simple, gentle, and affirming.
Systems Over Perfection and Classroom Jobs
Bertha stressed the importance of building sustainable systems—from color-coded lists to classroom jobs. “I can only track one thing at a time,” she says. Classroom jobs help keep the class running smoothly while reducing her mental load. Read more about class jobs here.
Changing the Environment, Not the Brain
One of the most powerful takeaways came from Bertha’s ADHD coach, who told her:
“Nothing is wrong with your brain. You just need to change your environment.”
That might mean adjusting your classroom setup. Creating routines that work for your brain. Using brain breaks—not just for your students but for yourself. Being open with your administrator. Being transparent (when you’re ready) with your students.
What Would You Say to Your Best Friend?
Annabelle offered one of my favorite reminders in this episode:
“If your best friend said to you: I’m not good enough. I’m failing. I’m always behind, would you let them speak to themselves that way? No? Then don’t let yourself say it either.”
Let that sink in.
Final Thoughts: Be Curious, Not Critical
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, think you might have it, or are just running on empty, I hope this reminds you that you are not alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or like you’re never “on top” of it all… pause.
Ask yourself:
- Why might this feel so hard right now?
- Is it really a character flaw—or is it something deeper?
- What small step can I take today?
As teachers, we give everything to others. But we need to protect our own peace, too. And sometimes that starts with giving ourselves the compassion we give to our students every single day.
📌 Resources Mentioned
- Asana (for task and life organization)
- Finch App (for self-care and daily routines)
- Kaizen Method (tiny steps, big momentum)
- “I Have ADHD” Podcast
- Annabelle’s blog on SEL spaces
- Annabelle’s blog on classroom jobs
- The No. 1 ADHD Expert: How to Master Your ADHD – Dr. Ned Hallowell https://youtu.be/LZacXMQmSG8?si=wgbb6hZC5x-iY40m
- ADHD 2.0. https://a.co/d/fKwW0g4
- Terapista Ylia Novak
If this resonated with you, please share it with a colleague. Let’s remind each other that we’re not alone.
