Home Podcasts Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast (A Show for Special Educators)
Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast (A Show for Special Educators)

Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast (A Show for Special Educators)

Lisa Hollady, Special Education Teacher 114 episodes Latest Dec 29, 2025

Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is a show for special education teachers, hosted by veteran special educator Lisa Hollady. It focuses on using task boxes to promote student independence, engagement, and personalized learning. Each Monday, new episodes provide strategies for differentiated instruction, IEPs, data collection, and classroom management. The podcast aims to make teaching easier and more enjoyable for special educators.

Episodes

113. The one where she says Goodbye Dec 29, 2025 09:12 In this special highlight episode, Lisa looks back on the most powerful lessons from over 100 episodes of Teach, Task Box, Inspire. From the importance of visuals and independent work systems to understanding behavior as communication, preventing burnout, and building supportive classroom communities, this episode celebrates the heart of the podcast. As Lisa steps into a season of rest, she shares
112. What to Do When You’ve Tried Every Behavior Strategy Dec 22, 2025 14:37 In this episode, Lisa breaks down the real reasons behavior strategies “fail” and what to do when nothing seems to work. You’ll learn how misalignment — whether it’s the wrong function, ineffective reinforcement, or inconsistent implementation — can derail even the best plans, and how to recognize the red flags in your classroom, from over-prompting to mismatched expectations. Lisa shares why cons
111. The Micro-Moments That Matter Dec 15, 2025 14:29 In today’s episode, Lisa dives into one of the most underrated but most powerful parts of behavior support: the micro-moments. These are the quick 5-second decisions—tone, phrasing, proximity, visuals, and tiny choices—that turn chaotic days into calm ones.Instead of relying on complicated plans or intense interventions, Lisa breaks down how small, intentional shifts in your interactions can preve
110. The Real Reason Students Refuse Work Dec 8, 2025 14:47 Work refusal is one of the most common challenges teachers face, but we often make the mistake of assuming all refusals are the same. In this episode, Lisa breaks down the powerful “Can’t Do or Won’t Do” framework, a simple way to identify why a student is refusing work so you can respond with strategies that actually stick. You’ll learn to recognize signs of overwhelm versus signs of avoidance, q
109. Building Culture When Teaching Feels Lonely Dec 1, 2025 11:52 In this heart-to-heart episode, Lisa opens up about what it’s like to feel isolated as a special educator and how to build school culture even when you’re the only one in your role. She shares practical strategies for creating visibility, connecting with general education staff, and finding your people — both inside and outside your building. From hallway hellos to collaborative projects, you’ll l
108. Sensory-Based Learning-Teaching Through the Senses Nov 24, 2025 13:26 In this episode, Lisa breaks down what it really means to teach through the senses. She explains how sensory processing is the foundation for learning, how to identify sensory seekers and avoiders, and why meeting those needs changes everything—from focus and behavior to emotional regulation. You’ll learn simple ways to weave sensory input into everyday instruction, plus easy classroom tweaks that
107. The Psychology Behind Why Task Boxes Work Nov 17, 2025 12:39 In this episode, Lisa digs into the why behind task boxes — the real psychology and brain science that make them such powerful tools for students with special needs. You’ll learn how structure, repetition, and predictability calm the brain, how success releases motivation-boosting chemicals, and why visuals and autonomy are key to independence. With real classroom stories and down-to-earth example
106. Turning Problem Behaviors into Teachable Moments Nov 10, 2025 09:55 In this episode, Lisa breaks down what an autism classroom actually is, why it exists, and what makes it unique compared to other classroom settings. She explains that an autism classroom is not a “lesser” placement — it’s a specialized environment intentionally designed to support students through structure, visual supports, communication tools, and predictable routines.Lisa guides listeners thro
105. Redefining the Culture of Staying Late Nov 3, 2025 11:48 In this episode, Lisa gets real about the unspoken culture of overworking in education and the guilt that often comes with leaving at contract time. She challenges the outdated idea that staying late equals dedication and reminds teachers that balance, not burnout, leads to better teaching. Through personal stories, practical strategies, and gentle truth-telling, Lisa empowers educators to set bou
104. Anger and Explosive Behaviors: Understanding the Why Behind the Outburst Oct 27, 2025 14:23 In this episode, Lisa dives into one of the toughest challenges special educators face — anger and explosive behaviors. From meltdowns to moments of defiance, Lisa helps you unpack the why behind the outburst. You’ll learn how the brain responds to stress, what common triggers look like, and how to co-regulate and respond with empathy instead of reactivity.With real classroom examples, trauma-info
103. When Paras Don’t Listen: Training and Leading with Confidence in Inclusion Oct 20, 2025 11:08 In this episode, Lisa gets real about one of the hardest parts of being a special education teacher — training paraprofessionals who just won’t listen. She breaks down why this happens, how to set clear expectations, and how to lead with confidence and compassion in an inclusion setting. You’ll learn how to build buy-in, communicate effectively, and stay professional even when things get tough. If
102. ADHD Tips and Tricks in the Classroom Oct 13, 2025 14:18 In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa dives deep into practical, classroom-tested strategies for supporting students with ADHD. From setting up structured environments and predictable routines to using movement, visuals, and positive reinforcement, she shares realistic tools that teachers can implement immediately. Lisa also explores motivation, emotional regulation, and collaboration wi

Recommended

Playing