This week on Teach, Task Box, Inspire, Lisa dives into a really important topic—executive function skills—and how they impact students in the classroom. She breaks down what these skills actually are, shares some relatable classroom moments, and offers simple, practical tips to help kids strengthen them. Lisa’s all about fostering independence and giving students the tools they need to succeed, not just in school, but in life. If you’re looking for easy ways to support students who struggle with executive functioning, this episode is full of ideas you can actually use.

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode65

In this episode, we explore practical tools that empower educators to manage behaviors effectively in special education classrooms. From behavior-specific praise and token economies to social stories and calming corners, this episode provides actionable strategies to create a structured and supportive environment. Real-life examples and troubleshooting tips help educators navigate challenges and build positive relationships with their students, ensuring both academic and behavioral success.

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode64

In this episode, we dive into how engagement can transform student learning and behavior in the classroom. By using high-interest topics, task boxes, movement, and real-world connections, we can help spark excitement and keep students focused. You'll walk away with practical strategies and real-life examples to create a lively and engaged classroom environment.

Resources Mentioned:

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode63

In this insightful episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, host Lisa Hollady welcomes Amanda Matusoto, a high school speech and language pathologist with a caseload of over 60 students. Amanda brings a wealth of experience from her work in ABA therapy, outpatient facilities, and as a head softball coach. She shares her expertise on fostering meaningful connections with students and the impactful role of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices in empowering communication.

Packed with practical advice and real-life examples, this episode provides educators and therapists with tools to help students thrive in and out of the classroom.

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode62

In this milestone episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, host Lisa Hollady welcomes her first-ever guest, Kelsey Baughman, an experienced special education teacher with eight years of expertise in a school where all students have special needs. Together, they dive into the critical topic of student advocacy, exploring what it means to truly champion your students’ needs, strengths, and voices.

Kelsey shares powerful insights from her experience and practical strategies for advocating effectively, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether you're an educator, parent, or supporter of special needs students, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways.

Resources Mentioned:

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode61

In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, we're digging into the good, the bad, and the game-changing when it comes to using behavior charts in special education classrooms. When done right, behavior charts can boost accountability and motivate students — but they need to be thoughtfully designed and implemented.

I’ll walk you through how to set clear, realistic goals, give consistent feedback, and customize charts to fit your student’s unique needs. We’ll also talk about common pitfalls, like making charts too complicated or accidentally shaming students, and how to avoid them. Plus, you’ll hear some real-life success stories that just might inspire a fresh approach!

Whether you’re new to behavior charts or ready to tweak your current system, this episode is full of practical tips you can use right away.

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode60

In Episode 59 of Teach Task Box Inspire, I’m diving into five common mistakes special education teachers often make during parent-teacher conferences — and what you can do instead. We’ll cover everything from starting off with positives to keeping your language clear and simple.

These practical tips will help you turn conferences into productive, collaborative conversations. Whether you’re new to teaching or have years of experience, this episode will help you build better relationships with families and set your students up for success!

Resources Mentioned:

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode59

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important aspects of special education: building strong, positive communication with parents. We all know how much of a game-changer it is when families and educators work together as a team to support students with disabilities. That’s why we’re sharing five practical tips to help you foster trust, ease parent anxieties, and make sure families feel like valued partners in their child’s education. From creating consistent communication routines to involving parents in the IEP process and celebrating student wins, we’re talking about real strategies to build connections that truly make a difference.

Tune in and let’s talk about how we can create partnerships that help our students thrive!

Resources Mentioned:

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

Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode58