Cafe Session: Neurodivergent teachers - what do you need?

Schools aren't just places where tamariki learn – they're workplaces where amazing educators spend their days shaping young minds. In our April Building A Neuroinclusive School café, we focused on a topic close to our hearts: supporting our neurodivergent teachers and education colleagues.

Neuroinclusion Is for Everyone

When we talk about creating neuroinclusive schools, we often focus on students. But true neuroinclusion means recognising, understanding, supporting, and celebrating ALL brains – including those of the people who work in education.

Session Highlights: From Strengths to Strategies

In this café session recording, Madelaine Armstrong-Willcocks, our Head of Programmes, explores:

• The unique strengths neurodivergent teachers bring to education (creativity, empathy, emotional awareness, energy, and focus!)

• Common sticking points and practical strategies that work

• How to build supportive workplace cultures that embrace all types of thinking

• Simple techniques like the "doorway reset" for managing sensory overload

Key Takeaways

Characteristics First, Diagnosis Second

We take a characteristics-first approach at NIEP. Many educators identify with neurodivergent characteristics regardless of formal diagnosis – and that's perfectly okay! Understanding our brain's unique wiring is what matters most.

From Judgment to Curiosity

One powerful shift we can make is moving from judgment to curiosity when working with colleagues. Instead of making assumptions, ask questions: "Hey, I noticed this was going on. Are you okay with that?"

The Power of Small Strategies

Sometimes the simplest approaches work best:

• Loop earplugs for managing noise sensitivity

• Using doorways as mental reset points

• Visual reminders balanced with reducing visual clutter

• Creating clarity around which workplace demands are flexible and which are fixed

  
  

Building Community

Neurodivergent teachers don't have to navigate these challenges alone. We're exploring more ways to stay connected and support each other through online sessions and resource sharing.

Join the Conversation

This session is just the beginning! We're committed to creating spaces where neurodivergent educators can connect, share experiences, and problem-solve together.

Stay tuned for more online sessions throughout the term. And remember: when we support neurodivergent teachers, we're not just helping individuals – we're strengthening our entire education system.

Tell Us What You Think

Your feedback is essential! Get in touch to share your thoughts on how we can better support neurodivergent educators. Together, we can build truly neuroinclusive schools where ALL brains thrive.

Building A Neuroinclusive School is a FREE learning platform for educators throughout Aotearoa. Join our community to access more resources, attend café sessions, and connect with like-minded professionals working to create neuroinclusive environments.