5 Mistakes I Made My First Year of Teaching

Are you a first-year teacher? Every teacher can remember these beginning years and has a story or two to share about what they have learned along the way. Tune in to episode 26 to learn about some of the mistakes that I have made and learned from during those early days in education.

In episode 26 I discuss the common mistakes first-year special education teachers often make, and I offer insights on how to avoid them. I can remember my first year like it was yesterday, I share my own experiences and the challenges I faced in the classroom that year.

If you are a new special education teacher, this episode is a must listen, and will offer you insight and advice for all of the years to come!

Episode Highlights:

• Setting Boundaries: Prioritize self-care and avoid overcommitting to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Training Paraprofessionals: Provide clear expectations and regular training for support staff to create a positive classroom environment.
• Asking for Help: Overcome the fear of appearing incompetent and seek assistance from colleagues and resources when needed.
• Avoiding Overload: Delegate tasks, practice self-care, and prioritize responsibilities to prevent burnout.
• Building Relationships: Connect with fellow educators and staff members to foster support and camaraderie in the school community.

Resources Mentioned:

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

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @chalkboard_superhero
• Join my Facebook group, Special Education Superheroes
• Join my email list
• Shop my TPT store
• Join the Teach, Taskbox, Inspire Membership

More About Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast:

Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is your go-to educational podcast dedicated to making your job as a special education teacher easier and more enjoyable. Your host, Lisa Hollady, is a veteran special education teacher with a passion for helping teachers like you make a real difference in the lives of your students.

In your demanding roles, you’re constantly juggling various responsibilities, from differentiated instruction and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to data collection, and, of course, teaching. That’s where task boxes come in.

Task boxes aren’t just teaching tools. They’re the key to unlocking student independence, student engagement, and personalized learning. Through this podcast, you’ll uncover the incredible task box benefits for your special needs students and practical implementation tips that you can take to your classroom.

Tune in each Monday for a new episode that will equip you with essential strategies and motivation to approach your week with confidence and enthusiasm. Topics will include task box activities, social and emotional development, adaptive teaching, inclusive teaching, supporting diverse learners, classroom management, scheduling, visual aids, and more.

If you’re looking for more special education resources and support with increasing student independence, check out Lisa's FREE training.