Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast (A Show for Special Educators)

At the start of the school year, parents are handing over their most precious people to us every day — and for many, that trust doesn’t come easily. In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa shares practical, positive communication strategies for building strong parent partnerships in the first month of school. Through a personal story about her own special needs son’s first overnight camp — and how a special education teacher’s updates eased her worries — Lisa highlights why early communication is key and how simple, intentional outreach can turn parents into powerful allies.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode97

Do you ever feel like your to-do list as a teacher is never-ending—and the hardest tasks keep hanging over your head?In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, Lisa Hollady shares how the productivity concept “Eat the Frog” can completely transform your teaching day. By tackling your most dreaded, time-consuming, or energy-draining task first, you free yourself from stress and set the tone for a more productive, peaceful school day.You’ll discover:What “Eat the Frog” really means for special education teachersHow to identify your frogs—the tasks that steal your energy and focusPractical ways to tackle hard tasks first during your school dayHow this mindset can reduce burnout and improve work-life balancePlus, Lisa shares a personal story about how eating the frog helped her get through a week with seven IEPs due—without losing her mind!If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by endless lesson planning, data collection, and behavior tracking, this episode will show you how to reclaim your time and energy.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode96

Starting the year strong with your paraprofessionals can make or break your classroom flow. In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa walks you through exactly what to cover in your very first paraprofessional meeting of the school year. From setting clear roles and responsibilities to building rapport, reviewing systems, and creating a communication plan, you’ll leave this episode with a ready-to-use framework for building a strong, consistent, and collaborative team. Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran, these tips will help you set the tone for a smooth and successful year.Resources Mentioned: Paraprofessional Handbook Template Task Box Starter Kit Prompt Hierarchy Visuals Independent Work System Setup Guide Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode95

Teaching is more than a career—it’s a calling. But let’s be honest: it’s also the hardest profession in the world. In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, Lisa Hollady dives into why teaching is so uniquely challenging—and why so many educators feel exhausted, underpaid, and undervalued. From wearing a dozen hats every day to spending our own money on supplies and planning every single minute of the school day, the demands on teachers are relentless.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode94

In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, host Lisa Hollady breaks down the difference between positive reinforcement and bribery—and why that difference matters more than you think. With real-life examples from her own summer adventures (think grocery store trips, beach day prep, and chore battles), Lisa brings this strategy to life in a relatable, practical way. You’ll hear how intentional reinforcement helps reduce power struggles, encourages independence, and supports students with diverse needs. Whether you're a seasoned special educator or just prepping for back-to-school, this episode will help you rethink how and why you reinforce behavior—at home and in the classroom.Resources Mentioned: Reinforcement Preference ChecklistVisual Aids Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode93

In this essential episode of Teach. Task Box. Inspire., Lisa Hollady dives into one of the most impactful—and often overlooked—steps in setting up your special education classroom: training your paraprofessionals. Lisa shares exactly what to teach your paras before school starts, from daily expectations to behavior supports, and how to build a strong team culture rooted in communication and trust. You’ll also learn simple systems you can set up now—like para binders, prompting visuals, and center instructions—that will keep your classroom running smoothly all year long.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode92

In this heartfelt and practical episode of Teach. Task Box. Inspire., host Lisa Hollady shares what true inclusion looks like—not as a classroom placement, but as a mindset and daily practice. Speaking as both a special education teacher and the proud mom of her son Jacob, who has Down syndrome, Lisa explores how to equip general education teachers with the tools, understanding, and empathy needed to fully support students with disabilities. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to foster collaboration, normalize accommodations, and advocate for a culture of belonging in every classroom.Resources Mentioned: IEP-at-a-glanceFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode91

In this episode of Teach. Task Box. Inspire., Lisa Hollady breaks down exactly how to tackle student IEPs before the school year starts—without the overwhelm. Learn which parts of the IEP to focus on, what to highlight for planning, and what actions to take before Day One. Plus, Lisa shares how to create a powerful IEP-at-a-glance sheet that will save you time, streamline communication with your team, and ensure your students get what they need right from the start.Resources Mentioned: IEP-at-a-glanceFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/EPISODE90

In this episode, Lisa Hollady breaks down exactly what to teach, practice, and model during the critical first 10 days of school—whether you’re in an inclusion setting or a self-contained classroom. From building routines to setting expectations, Lisa shares how to intentionally structure the start of the year to promote independence, reduce behavior issues, and lay the foundation for a successful school year. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a plan you can implement immediately.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode89

In this episode, Lisa Hollady shares how to flip your summer planning strategy and start with the end in mind. Instead of scrambling in September, learn what systems, visuals, routines, and materials you can prep now—even if you don’t have your student list yet. This episode is packed with practical tips that help you simplify, prioritize, and walk into the school year with calm confidence and clarity.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode88

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Lisa Hollady walks you through everything inside the Teach. Task Box. Inspire. Membership—and why it’s the go-to monthly resource for special education teachers looking for low-prep, high-impact support. Whether you're in a self-contained setting or pushing into gen ed classrooms, this episode unpacks how the membership saves time, supports IEP goals, and builds independence for your students—all without the overwhelm.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode%2087

In this real-talk episode, Lisa Hollady gets honest about what self-care actually means for special education teachers. And no—it’s not about spa days or fancy candles. It’s about setting boundaries, building routines, creating systems, and learning to say “no” without the guilt. If you’re feeling burned out or already running on empty, this episode is your reminder to hit reset and focus on what really matters—with practical tips you can use right in your classroom.Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode86Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom

Let’s talk sensory! In this episode, I’m breaking down how sensory processing impacts everything—behavior, learning, focus, you name it. It’s not something to save for last on your checklist—it should be the first thing we think about when a student is struggling.I walk you through the Sensory Pyramid (aka the Pyramid of Learning), explain the eight sensory systems in plain language, and share real stories from my classroom to show how what looks like “misbehavior” is often really dysregulation.You’ll hear tips on how to spot sensory needs, work with your OT team, and tweak your behavior strategies to actually support your students’ nervous systems—not just manage their outbursts.Whether you’re a SPED teacher, BCBA, or gen ed teacher who’s just trying to make sense of it all, this episode is your real-life starting point for shifting from reaction to regulation.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode85

Let’s be real—transitions are hard. And for our students with disabilities who rely on structure and routine, the end of the school year can feel extra tricky. In this episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips and tools that have helped make those big changes a little smoother—for both students and teachers! I’ll talk about things like visual countdowns, social stories, transition visits, and fun ways to celebrate how far our kids have come. Whether your students are heading into summer or getting ready for a new class or school, this episode is packed with easy-to-use ideas to help you support them through it—without all the stress (or tears!).Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode84

In this honest and heartfelt episode, Lisa shares an important truth: if you no longer love your role as a special education teacher, it’s okay to make a change. Whether that means switching grade levels, moving to a new building, stepping into a different role, or even leaving special education entirely—your happiness, mental health, and sense of purpose matter. This episode offers a mix of personal reflection, tough love, and gentle permission to stop staying in spaces that drain you. Because doing what’s best for you ultimately benefits your students, too.Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode83