Episodes
-
In this behind-the-scenes episode, Lisa Hollady walks you through everything inside the Teach. Task Box. Inspire. Membershipâand why itâs 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 studentsâall 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 noâitâs not about spa days or fancy candles. Itâs about setting boundaries, building routines, creating systems, and learning to say ânoâ without the guilt. If youâre feeling burned out or already running on empty, this episode is your reminder to hit reset and focus on what really mattersâwith practical tips you can use right in your classroom.
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode86
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
-
Episodes manquant?
-
Letâs talk sensory! In this episode, Iâm breaking down how sensory processing impacts everythingâbehavior, learning, focus, you name it. Itâs not something to save for last on your checklistâit 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 âmisbehaviorâ is often really dysregulation
.Youâll hear tips on how to spot sensory needs, work with your OT team, and tweak your behavior strategies to actually support your studentsâ nervous systemsânot just manage their outbursts.
Whether youâre a SPED teacher, BCBA, or gen ed teacher whoâs 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
-
Letâs be realâtransitions 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, Iâm sharing some of my favorite tips and tools that have helped make those big changes a little smootherâfor both students and teachers! Iâll 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 itâwithout 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, itâs 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 entirelyâyour 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 whatâs 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
-
In this end-of-year episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa shares her top sanity-saving tips for surviving the chaos of May as a special education teacher. From last-minute IEP meetings and behavior spikes to packing up the classroom and navigating unpredictable schedules, May is no jokeâbut you donât have to go it alone. Lisa offers practical strategies, real classroom stories, and gentle reminders to help you stay grounded, lighten your load, and finish the year with intention (and maybe even a little joy). Whether you're drowning in glue sticks or just trying to hold it all together, this episode is your mid-May pick-me-up.
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode82
-
In this heartfelt and informative episode, Lisa dives into the CDCâs new statistic that 1 in every 31 children is now diagnosed with autism by age 8. Rather than fueling fear, she breaks down what this number actually represents: progress in awareness, diagnosis, and inclusion. Through relatable stories from the classroom, examples of real students, and practical tips, Lisa helps listeners understand why this isnât a crisisâitâs a sign that more kids are finally being seen and supported. Whether youâre a special educator, general ed teacher, or parent, this episode will leave you feeling informed, encouraged, and ready to advocate.
Resources Mentioned:
đ° CDC Report on Autism Prevalence (2025 Update) Read the CDCâs full report heređ Autism Speaks: What is Autism? Helpful overview and support resourcesShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode81
-
In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, Iâm diving into one of my favorite (and totally underrated!) strategiesâerrorless learning. Iâll walk you through what it actually is, who it works best for, and how you can start using it confidently in your classroom. Whether youâre working with early learners, students with Autism, or kids who just shut down when they make mistakesâthis strategy can be a total game changer.
From worksheets to task boxes, adapted books to file folder games, Iâm sharing real-life examples and practical ways to make errorless learning part of your daily routine. Iâm also opening up about how Iâve used it in my own classroom and why itâs helped my students feel more successful and less frustrated.
If youâre looking for ways to boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and set your students up to win, this episode is definitely for you.
Resources Mentioned:
đ Browse all Errorless Learning Resources:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Chalkboards-And-Apples/Category/Errorless-Learningđ Errorless Task Box Sets:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Errorless-Learning-Task-Boxes-Special-Education-6841018
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode80
-
In this episode, Lisa gets real about work-life balanceâand why the traditional idea of it just doesnât work for busy educators. Instead of aiming for perfection or stressing about keeping work inside a perfect time block, she shares practical tips for managing stress, protecting your peace, and finding more joy in your day-to-day. With honest stories (yes, even those late-night laminating sessions), mindset shifts like GETMO and hygge, and a whole lot of encouragement, this episode feels like a permission slip to rethink balance in a way that actually fits your real life.
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode79
-
In Episode 78 of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, weâre getting real about one of the hardest parts of the jobâdealing with difficult adults. Whether itâs a tough administrator, a coworker who pushes your buttons, or a parent who just wonât hear you out, these situations can leave you feeling drained and defeated.
Iâm sharing some of my own experiences (the good, the bad, and the messy) and the strategies Iâve learned to help you stay calm, set boundaries, and keep your peace. Weâll talk about how to focus on what you can control, avoid falling into the gossip trap, and handle tough conversations without letting them steal your energy.
If youâve ever left a meeting feeling completely wiped out or spent your prep time replaying a frustrating conversation in your headâyou are not alone. This episode is packed with honest advice and real talk to help you protect your mindset and show up as your best self, even when the adults around you make it hard.
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode78
-
In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, we're talking all about reinforcementâwhat it is, what it isnât, and why getting it right really matters. Iâm breaking down some of the most common mistakes we all make (yep, Iâve made them too!) and how these can actually make challenging behaviors stick around longer. Reinforcement isnât just about sticker charts or token boardsâitâs at the heart of why our students learn new skills or why tough behaviors keep showing up. Iâll walk you through the science in simple terms, share real-life classroom (and personal) examples, and highlight the two biggest signs your system might not be working. If youâve ever felt stuck with a behavior plan or wondered why your students arenât responding the way you hoped, this episode will give you fresh insightâand real strategiesâyou can start using right away.
Resources Mentioned:Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode77
-
In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, weâre getting real about co-teaching in special education. Letâs be honestâitâs not always easy. Figuring out roles, juggling teaching styles, and looping in paras can feel like a total whirlwind.
But it doesnât have to stay that way.
Iâm sharing some practical strategies that have helped me turn the chaos into true collaborationâthings like rotating teaching models, setting clear roles, and actually involving paras in the planning (yes, it makes a huge difference!). And of course, Iâm throwing in some honest stories from my own classroom, because weâve all been there.
If co-teaching has ever left you feeling overwhelmed or unsure, this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode76
-
In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, we're talking all about mini-schedules â and why theyâre a total game-changer in the special ed classroom. Iâm diving into how they can help reduce behavior challenges, build independence, and make those tricky transitions a whole lot smoother. Iâll share real examples from my classroom (and a few from real life!) to show just how natural and helpful mini-schedules really are. You wonât want to miss this one!
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode75
-
Visual boundaries are a game-changer when it comes to behavior management in a special education classroom. They help students stay focused, reduce distractions, and clearly understand expectations. In this episode, weâre diving into what visual boundaries are, why theyâre so effective, and how you can easily implement them in your classroom.
From using tape to define personal space to setting up labeled workstations and calming areas, these simple strategies create a structured, supportive environment for all learners. Iâll also share practical tips for teaching expectations, reinforcing boundaries with visual cues, and making adjustments to meet individual student needs. With the right visual boundaries in place, your classroom will run more smoothly, and your students will feel more confident and successful!
Resources Mentioned:
https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/2022/07/how-to-create-visual-boundaries-in-your-self-contained-classroom/Visual Aidshttps://chalkboardsuperhero.com/2023/11/cheap-easy-classroom-divider-wall/Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode74
-
Classroom procedures are the foundation of a smooth and structured learning environment. In this episode, Iâm sharing tried-and-true strategies that will help minimize disruptions, keep students engaged, and create seamless daily routines. From using hand signals and attention-getters to managing transitions and setting up early finisher activities, these practical tips will make a big difference in how your classroom runs.
Whether you want to streamline arrival and dismissal or build student independence, these simple yet effective procedures will set the stage for a well-organized and successful school year!
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode73
-
Specials classesâlike art, PE, music, and technologyâare often the best part of the day, but for students with special needs, they can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this episode, Lisa Hollady shares real, practical strategies to help students succeed in specials. From using visual supports to adapting activities and working closely with specials teachers, she covers it all. Whether you teach in an inclusion setting or a self-contained classroom, these tips will help your students feel more confident, engaged, and ready to enjoy their specials classes!
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode72
-
Welcoming a new student mid-year can be a challenge, especially when youâre balancing push-in support with your existing caseload. In this episode, veteran special education teacher Lisa Hollady shares practical, real-world strategies to make the transition as smooth as possibleâfor both the student and the classroom. She breaks down what works, from reviewing the IEP and creating a quick-reference IEP-at-a-Glance to building a strong partnership with the gen ed teacher and reinforcing expectations in a way that sets everyone up for success. Whether you teach in a self-contained setting or support students in inclusion, Lisaâs insights will help you feel more confident bringing in a new student and making sure they feel welcomed, included, and supported from day one.
Resources Mentioned:
IEP-AT-A-GLANCEData collection sheetsFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode71
-
In this Teach Task Box Inspire episode, Lisa Hollady explores the critical differences between accommodations and modifications, two essential components of every special education teacher's toolbox. Accommodations provide students with the tools they need to access the same content as their peers, while modifications adjust the curriculum to meet a studentâs unique needs. Lisa shares real-world examples, such as sensory supports, text-to-speech systems, and alternate curricula, while offering tips on documenting, implementing, and adapting these supports effectively to ensure student success.
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode70
-
In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa Hollady shares practical tips to help special education teachers end their day feeling organized. From tidying up to prepping materials and resetting data sheets, these strategies make the next school day smoother. With just 15â20 minutes of focused effort, teachers can leave stress-free and ready for tomorrow!
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode69
-
In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, Lisa is breaking down the prompt hierarchy and why fading prompts is key to building student independence. Itâs so easy to over-prompt without realizing it, and that can actually hold students back instead of helping them grow.
Lisa walks through the seven levels of prompting, common mistakes we all make, and simple, effective ways to fade prompts so students can gain confidence and independence.
If you want to help your students do more on their own (without always needing a prompt), this episode is for you!
đ§ Tune in and learn how to set your students up for success by strategically fading prompts!
Resources Mentioned: Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode68
- Montre plus
