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 joke—but you don’t 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 CDC’s 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 isn’t a crisis—it’s a sign that more kids are finally being seen and supported. Whether you’re a special educator, general ed teacher, or parent, this episode will leave you feeling informed, encouraged, and ready to advocate.

Resources Mentioned:

• 📰 CDC Report on Autism Prevalence (2025 Update)
• Read the CDC’s full report here
• 📄 Autism Speaks: What is Autism?
• Helpful overview and support resources

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode81

In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, I’m diving into one of my favorite (and totally underrated!) strategies—errorless learning. I’ll walk you through what it actually is, who it works best for, and how you can start using it confidently in your classroom. Whether you’re working with early learners, students with Autism, or kids who just shut down when they make mistakes—this strategy can be a total game changer.

From worksheets to task boxes, adapted books to file folder games, I’m sharing real-life examples and practical ways to make errorless learning part of your daily routine. I’m also opening up about how I’ve used it in my own classroom and why it’s helped my students feel more successful and less frustrated.

If you’re looking for ways to boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and set your students up to win, this episode is definitely for you.

Resources Mentioned:

👉 Browse all Errorless Learning Resources:

• https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Chalkboards-And-Apples/Category/Errorless-Learning 

👉 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 balance—and why the traditional idea of it just doesn’t 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 Classroom 

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode79

In Episode 78 of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, we’re getting real about one of the hardest parts of the job—dealing with difficult adults. Whether it’s a tough administrator, a coworker who pushes your buttons, or a parent who just won’t hear you out, these situations can leave you feeling drained and defeated.

I’m sharing some of my own experiences (the good, the bad, and the messy) and the strategies I’ve learned to help you stay calm, set boundaries, and keep your peace. We’ll 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 you’ve ever left a meeting feeling completely wiped out or spent your prep time replaying a frustrating conversation in your head—you 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 reinforcement—what it is, what it isn’t, and why getting it right really matters. I’m breaking down some of the most common mistakes we all make (yep, I’ve made them too!) and how these can actually make challenging behaviors stick around longer. Reinforcement isn’t just about sticker charts or token boards—it’s at the heart of why our students learn new skills or why tough behaviors keep showing up. I’ll 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 you’ve ever felt stuck with a behavior plan or wondered why your students aren’t responding the way you hoped, this episode will give you fresh insight—and real strategies—you 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, we’re getting real about co-teaching in special education. Let’s be honest—it’s not always easy. Figuring out roles, juggling teaching styles, and looping in paras can feel like a total whirlwind.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

I’m sharing some practical strategies that have helped me turn the chaos into true collaboration—things like rotating teaching models, setting clear roles, and actually involving paras in the planning (yes, it makes a huge difference!). And of course, I’m throwing in some honest stories from my own classroom, because we’ve 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 — and why they’re a total game-changer in the special ed classroom. I’m diving into how they can help reduce behavior challenges, build independence, and make those tricky transitions a whole lot smoother. I’ll share real examples from my classroom (and a few from real life!) to show just how natural and helpful mini-schedules really are. You won’t want to miss this one!

Resources Mentioned:

• Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom

Show 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, we’re diving into what visual boundaries are, why they’re 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. I’ll 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 Aids
• https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/2023/11/cheap-easy-classroom-divider-wall/
• Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode74

Classroom procedures are the foundation of a smooth and structured learning environment. In this episode, I’m 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