A student walking down a school hallway toward an educator in the distance

Educator · Coach · Author · Speaker

Labels don’t have to become limits.

A lived story of ADHD, learning differences, resilience, and leadership—from the student with an IEP to the assistant principal on the other side of the desk.

“Your diagnosis is not your destiny. Your effort is.”
A voice shaped by experience

He has sat in every chair.

Tatum Thorne began as a special education student navigating ADHD and a learning disability. He went on to become a teacher, coach, special education coordinator, safe schools leader, and assistant principal—then returned to the classroom.

His message is honest, practical, and deeply human: students are more than their paperwork, leadership starts with relationships, and success rarely follows a straight line.

StudentIEP, ADHD & learning disability
TeacherSpecial education & science
CoachCulture, trust & high expectations
LeaderCoordinator & assistant principal
SpeakerLessons from both sides of the desk

Signature talks & workshops

Stories that move people. Tools they can use Monday.

Keynotes and interactive professional learning can be shaped for a conference, district, campus, leadership team, or parent community.

02

Inside the ADHD Mind

An engaging, sometimes humorous look at time blindness, working memory, distraction, movement, and what support truly feels like.

  • Interactive workshop
  • 60–90 minutes
03

People Before Programs

Practical leadership lessons for building trust, coaching hard conversations, and creating cultures where students and adults can succeed.

  • Leadership session
  • 45–75 minutes
04

Control the Controllables

A motivating message for teams and organizations about responding to pressure, owning effort, and choosing the next right action.

  • Keynote or team talk
  • 30–60 minutes

Built for the people doing the work

The right message for the room.

01

Educators & School Staff

See behavior, ability, and support through the eyes of a learner who became an educator.

02

School & District Leaders

Lead people through relationships, clarity, accountability, and a respect for lived experience.

03

Parents & Communities

Replace fear with perspective and practical ways to help a child believe in what comes next.

04

Coaches & Teams

Build trust, embrace productive pressure, and expect intensity without losing the person.

The book behind the message

From IEP to AP

Tatum’s story is not about perfect success. It is about persistent showing up—from the boy who struggled in school to the educator responsible for helping others succeed.

“I wasn’t doing it wrong. I found another way.”
Bring the story to your audience →

Bring Tatum to your next event

Let’s give your audience a story they’ll remember—and strategies they’ll use.

For keynotes, professional development, leadership workshops, parent events, and team sessions, share your event details and the outcome you want for your audience.

Email Tatum

Please include your organization, event date, location, audience, preferred topic, and desired outcome.