Embracing Neurodiversity in Education: A Journey with Bryson Tarbet
In a world where inclusivity is becoming more than just a buzzword, it’s crucial to highlight the stories of individuals who are making meaningful changes in education. Bryson Tarbet, a former elementary music teacher and the founder of “That Music Teacher,” is one of those individuals striving for a more inclusive environment in schools, focusing especially on music classrooms.
Meet Bryson Tarbet: From Music Teacher to Advocate
Bryson Tarbet’s journey from a music teacher to an advocate for inclusive education is an inspiring tale of self-discovery and passion. Diagnosed with ADHD as a young child, Bryson initially navigated life with a limited understanding of what it truly meant. It wasn’t until he entered the teaching profession that he realised the need for new strategies to manage his ADHD in the workplace.
Working in a special education setting during his first year out of undergrad opened Bryson’s eyes to the importance of inclusion and differentiation, concepts that weren’t covered extensively during his education training. Driven by his ADHD hyperfixation for music and inclusion, Bryson embarked on a master’s degree, dedicating his research to universal design for learning and inclusion. His mission became clear: to create classrooms that truly serve all students.
Understanding ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder
Throughout his teaching career, Bryson discovered that ADHD often comes with other diagnoses, such as sensory processing disorder (SPD). He learned firsthand the importance of managing sensory needs, both for himself and his students. The realisation that many of his struggles were linked to SPD rather than anxiety led to significant improvements in his quality of life. It allowed him to implement strategies that catered to sensory needs, like utiliisng headphones and fidget tools, which also benefited his students.
Universal Design for Learning Explained
The concept of universal design traditionally stems from architecture, aiming to create spaces that are accessible to everyone without compromising accessibility for others. Applying this principle to education, Bryson believes in breaking down barriers to ensure equitable access to learning. This includes providing multiple means of engagement and representation in the classroom, allowing students to interact with and respond to content in a variety of ways.
Creating Inclusive Music Classrooms
In his role, Bryson has witnessed firsthand the challenges teachers face when trying to make music education truly inclusive. Often, students with unrecognised ADHD were seen as disruptive, which affected the entire classroom dynamic. Yet, by focusing on removing barriers and offering supportive strategies, Bryson demonstrated that inclusive education benefits all students.
One poignant example is the story of a kindergarten student, possibly with undiagnosed ADHD, who struggled to regulate his sensory needs. By acknowledging and addressing his challenges, Bryson developed a rapport that enabled the student to thrive, showcasing the power of understanding and empathy.
Supporting Teachers with Universal Design
Bryson’s company, That Music Teacher, provides resources and support for elementary music teachers globally through events like the “Elementary Music Summit.” These virtual conferences offer professional development aimed at integrating inclusion and universal design into the classroom. Bryson also shares his insights as a clinician, demonstrating how universal design can enhance learning environments beyond music.
The Importance of Labels and Early Intervention
Embracing labels like ADHD and SPD has helped Bryson and many others understand their needs and find the right strategies and communities. Early intervention and acceptance of these labels can significantly improve an individual’s life, emphasising the need for awareness and action among educators and parents.
Bryson’s Future Goals and Business Insights
As Bryson continues to grow his company, his goal remains consistent: to provide high-quality music education while ensuring classrooms are inclusive and supportive of all students’ needs. He aims to help teachers implement strategies that would have benefited him as a neurodiverse student, creating an educational environment where everyone can succeed.
By embracing and applying universal design principles, Bryson Tarbet is paving the way for a future where all students can experience the joy of learning—especially through the universal language of music. His journey is a testament to the power of understanding, adapting, and advocating for inclusivity in education.
In this episode of the ADHD Goals podcast, Bryson Tarbet, a former elementary music teacher and founder of ‘That Music Teacher,’ shares his journey living with ADHD and transitioning to support music teachers in creating more inclusive classroom environments. Bryson discusses the impact of his ADHD diagnosis, his experience in special education, and his work focused on Universal Design for Learning. He emphasizes the importance of providing sensory tools in the classroom, shares practical strategies for managing neurodiverse students, and highlights the broader application of Universal Design. Bryson also touches on his personal coping mechanisms, such as digital planning and sensory regulation, and how his company offers resources and professional development to fellow educators.
That Music Teacher Website: https://www.thatmusicteacher.com/
00:00 Introduction to the ADHD Goals Podcast
00:14 Meet Bryson Tarbet: From Music Teacher to Advocate
01:18 Understanding ADHD and Personal Journey
03:11 Universal Design for Learning Explained
05:30 Challenges and Strategies for ADHD in Teaching
09:04 Sensory Processing Disorder and ADHD
17:15 The Importance of Labels and Early Intervention
23:55 Creating Inclusive Music Classrooms
30:49 Supporting Teachers with Universal Design
42:01 Bryson’s Future Goals and Business Insights
45:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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