Deficient adaptive leadership posed challenges in schools. This study unfolded the adaptive leadership experiences of teachers in response to change, complex, and uncertain situations. Guided by Adaptive Leadership Theory, I conducted interviews and focus group discussions with my 12 participants, who were purposely sampled. I analyzed their experiences using thematic analysis. I affirmed the value of the themes discussed in the theory and identified emerging sub-themes. Five sub-themes emerged under tough challenges and five others under adaptive leadership, where three belonged to leader behavior and two belonged to adaptive work. Three more emerged under thriving in adaptive leadership. A mediation study may be done using the themes identified in this research as variables and the sub-themes as indicators. Finally, overcoming challenges in educational institutions recognized adaptive leadership as a means.