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 teachers
• How to identify your frogs—the tasks that steal your energy and focus
• Practical ways to tackle hard tasks first during your school day
• How this mindset can reduce burnout and improve work-life balance

Plus, 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 Checklist
• Visual 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-glance
• Free 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-glance
• Free 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