Back to School with Confidence: A Guide for Teachers Who Stutter
- National Stuttering Association
- 24 hours ago
- 5 min read
Walking into a classroom as an educator who stutters takes courage—and it sends a message to every student: your voice matters, no matter what.
Our guide is designed to support you every step of the way. You’ll find practical tools to manage the everyday challenges of teaching, strategies for confidently leading your classroom, and ideas for advocating for communication diversity in your school.
Beyond the techniques, you’ll discover encouragement to embrace your voice, navigate common obstacles, and inspire your students by showing them that strength comes in many forms.
Embracing Your Voice as a Teacher Who Stutters
Your voice is powerful. Yes, even when it stutters. Confidence in the classroom comes from preparation, self-trust, and your ability to connect with students.
One way to build confidence is to own your introduction—you can decide whether your stutter comes up right away on the first day or emerges naturally. Practicing key routines out loud, like high-frequency classroom cues, can help ease early nerves. And remember to ground yourself in your expertise; your knowledge, experience, and empathy leave a lasting impression on students.
Want more tips on building confidence? Explore our Educator Resources!
“My experience as a teacher who stutters has deeply influenced the way I connect with students and contribute to our school community. Stuttering has shaped my teaching style in meaningful ways—it’s taught me patience, intentional communication, and the importance of creating a supportive environment where every voice matters.” – Arianna Gilliam, Special Education Teacher, K-5 Grade
“I have always made strong connections with students. I believe that is very important in education. I think showing the connection through my actions is much more important than my stutter.” – Robb Hurt, Dean and Varsity Football Coach
“On the very first day of school, I introduce myself to my students and disclose that I am someone who stutters. Showing my students that I have my own hurdles to face on a daily basis and that I experience the same positive and negative emotions shows them that I'm just as vulnerable and human as they are.” – Derek Sutor, Special Education Teacher & Head Varsity Baseball Coach
Creating a Respectful Classroom Environment
Stuttering invites us to rethink what it means to communicate and teaches students how to truly listen. There are several ways you can help foster respect for everyone.
You can set expectations like “We wait for each other to finish speaking” and “Everyone’s voice matters.”
Model curiosity and patience by showing students how to ask questions and respond kindly when someone speaks differently.
Incorporate speech diversity into class agreements.
“I encourage students to listen actively and with empathy, emphasizing that everyone has a unique voice and story. When students see someone in a leadership role embracing their communication style authentically, it fosters respect and understanding throughout the classroom.” – Arianna Gilliam, Special Education Teacher, K-5 Grade
Parent Conversations and Professional Communication
Parent-teacher conferences and staff meetings can feel especially vulnerable when you stutter, but preparation and perspective go a long way.
Tips for engaging with parents:
Keep the focus on student success by leading with your insights, strategies, and care for their child’s growth.
If you address your stutter, keep it brief and confident.
Rehearse common phrases, which can reduce pressure in high-stakes interactions.
Navigating staff meetings:
Set the tone with colleagues with a short statement: "I stutter and am happy to answer any questions.”
Use written communication when it’s helpful, such as email summaries or shared notes, which can supplement verbal contributions.
“As a teacher who stutters, I’ve developed several strategies that help me feel confident and prepared when speaking in meetings, with families, or during high-pressure moments. Over time, I’ve learned that preparation, mindset, and self-acceptance all play an important role.” – Arianna Gilliam, Special Education Teacher, K-5 Grade
“One strategy that I use is volume. I tend to speak more fluently if my volume increases. I also believe that the more prepared you are, the more confident you will be and that will also help you with fluency.” – Robb Hurt, Dean and Varsity Football Coach
“Simply put ... knowing that I am able and capable! Feeling comfortable when speaking in those high-pressure moments is not an easy thing to do. Understanding that "perfection" is not the goal, but being able to manage and control your fluency in those moments as best you can is what builds momentum for future situations.” – Derek Sutor, Special Education Teacher & Head Varsity Baseball Coach
Including Stuttering and Communication Diversity in the Curriculum
Representation is powerful, and as a teacher who stutters, you can expand your students’ understanding of communication. There are simple ways to normalize stuttering in your lessons.
During read-alouds or storytime, you might share books like I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott or A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz. Class discussions can include videos or articles about public figures who stutter to help spark empathy and awareness. For projects, students can explore the many ways people communicate, from stuttering and sign language to communication devices and bilingualism.
Advice for New Teachers Who Stutter
If you’re new to the classroom and wondering how stuttering fits into the world of education, you are not alone.
“Embrace your stutter as part of your unique voice rather than something to hide or fix. When you start a new role, it’s natural to feel nervous—especially about speaking—but remember that your value goes far beyond fluency.” – Arianna Gilliam, Special Education Teacher, K-5 Grade
“Be open about their stutter. Education is a field that helps people and understands disabilities.” – Robb Hurt, Dean and Varsity Football Coach
“You bring more value to the school environment than you realize. You are a great example for students that you are not defined by your situation, but rather how you react to it. Don't be afraid to disclose to people that you are a person who stutters.” – Derek Sutor, Special Education Teacher & Head Varsity Baseball Coach
Connect with peers through NSA Connects: Teachers Who Stutter
When It Feels Hard: Reframing Tough Moments
Even experienced educators who stutter face awkward, painful, or dismissive responses at times. These moments don’t define your worth. But it’s important to remember that you don’t have to explain your stutter, silence from others doesn’t mean they’re judging you, and your presence in the classroom is activism.
“One tough moment I remember was during a staff meeting early in my career when I was presenting a new lesson plan idea. As I spoke, my stutter became more pronounced, and a colleague visibly lost patience, interrupted me by standing up and leaving the meeting.” – Arianna Gilliam, Special Education Teacher, K-5 Grade
“I am responsible for school discipline. Many times when I have to meet with parents or speak to them on the phone about a disciplinary issue, I tend to stutter. One parent in particular was screaming at me, and I simply told her, “Miss, I am sorry, but I have a stutter.” – Robb Hurt, Dean and Varsity Football Coach
“In my first school year as the Special Education Department Chair, I had to introduce the paraprofessionals to the entire staff on stage. Up on stage, bright lights, nerves flowing, my anxiousness got the better of me. I simply took it as an experience and focused on the positives: I spoke, introduced 15 people, and built confidence for future opportunities.” – Derek Sutor, Special Education Teacher & Head Varsity Baseball Coach
Need community support? Explore our Find an NSA Chapter page to connect with others.
Conclusion
You’re not alone and you’re not an exception. You’re part of a community of educators proving that leadership comes in many voices. From explaining photosynthesis to leading morning circle or addressing graduates, your voice has an impact. Lead with clarity and teach in a way that works for you.