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

Specials classes—like art, PE, music, and technology—are 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 you’re 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 possible—for 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, Lisa’s 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-GLANCE
• Data collection sheets
• Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom

Show 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 student’s 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