All Things Education

Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch

This is All Things Education! The podcast where three dedicated teachers discuss what they know: the good, the not-so-good, and the continuous opportunity for high-quality education in Texas. Join us for a smart conversation as we dig deep into the issues that affect us all, in and around our great state.

  1. Jun 2

    Where Have All the Students Gone? (Part 3 of 3)

    In this last episode of the school year, Matthew, Lance and Natalie talk about the growing trends in homeschooling, micro-schooling, and private schooling. Learn more about some of the distinguishing characteristics to these alternative forms of education, why their growing interest has been a recent phenomenon, and what this means for public education as a whole in Texas. Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    45 min
  2. Let's Talk About Vouchers

    Apr 14

    Let's Talk About Vouchers

    The big storyline in Texas education this spring has been the implementation of the school voucher program statewide. In this week's episode, Matthew, Natalie, and Lance take a look at some of the big storylines that have emerged with the rollout of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts, dive into the numbers, and break down what is really behind some of the more attention-grabbing headlines. Now Playing on all major platforms! Follow and Share wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate your ratings and reviews! Join the Conversation! Connect with us on Instagram and send us a DM with your thoughts or questions on any and All Things Education. Your submission may be featured on a future episode! Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    39 min
  3. Where Have All the Students Gone? (Part 2 of 3)

    Mar 3

    Where Have All the Students Gone? (Part 2 of 3)

    With a historic decline in student enrollement across Texas' Public Schools, we ask the question - where have all the students gone? In this second episode of a three-part-series, we look at the number one rising alternative to traditional ISD schools: charters. Natalie and Matt talk in depth on the differences between charter and traditional public schools, exploring both the positive sides and the more controversial sides of charter school education in our state. Now Playing on all major platforms! Follow and Share wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate your ratings and reviews! Join the Conversation! Connect with us on Instagram and send us a DM with your thoughts or questions on any and All Things Education. Your submission may be featured on a future episode! Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    50 min
  4. Teacher Truths

    Feb 3

    Teacher Truths

    Ever wonder what teachers really think about the inspirational quotes and affirmations shared widely across the profession? You know you can count on the three of us to tell it to you straight! In this episode, the ATE pod crew dissect a few timeless quotes that are meant to represent and remind us of our "why." We offer a fresh round of honest insights into the educator's experience, including the relevance of those adages. Now Playing on all major platforms! Follow and Share wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate your ratings and reviews! Join the Conversation! Connect with us on Instagram and send us a DM with your thoughts or questions on any and All Things Education. Your submission may be featured on a future episode! Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    34 min
  5. What We Teach

    Jan 6

    What We Teach

    Somehow we are already at the halfway point of a tumultuous 25/26 school year! Between end of the semester grading and final exams, teachers certainly have a lot of administrative work to do. But it's also an opportunity to reflect on all the great learning happening in our classrooms year-round. On this month's episode, Lance, Natalie, and Matthew look back at some of the more memorable lessons they have had the privilege to teach this semester, as well as share the joy they find in their individual subjects. Finally, the three educators discuss the broad picture of how they know what they are "supposed" to teach, diving into ways that objectivity can sometimes get a little murky. Texas Tribune Article on social studies curriculum overhaul: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/14/texas-sboe-social-studies-redesign-conservative-advisers/ Now Playing on all major platforms! Follow and Share wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate your ratings and reviews! Join the Conversation! Connect with us on Instagram and send us a DM with your thoughts or questions on any and All Things Education. Your submission may be featured on a future episode! Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    39 min
  6. Where Have All the Students Gone? (Part 1 of 3)

    12/02/2025

    Where Have All the Students Gone? (Part 1 of 3)

    Big changes are happening in public schools, lately! Declining enrollment is a concerning trend across Texas, even in some of the larger districts in the state. In today's episode, we scratch the surface and explore what is happening and why. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 in future episodes! Now Playing on all major platforms! Follow and Share wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate your ratings and reviews! Join the Conversation! Connect with us on Instagram and send us a DM with your thoughts or questions on any and All Things Education. Your submission may be featured on a future episode! Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    35 min
  7. It Takes a Village

    11/04/2025

    It Takes a Village

    Today's episode explores some nuanced examples of how policy translates to implementation in schools across the state, and what stakeholders can do to advocate for what makes sense. Now Playing on all major platforms! Follow and Share wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate your ratings and reviews! Join the Conversation! Connect with us on Instagram and send us a DM with your thoughts or questions on any and All Things Education. Your submission may be featured on a future episode! Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    38 min
  8. What Legislation is Impacting Students?

    10/07/2025

    What Legislation is Impacting Students?

    This has been quite an active year in Austin, between the regular and special legislative sessions. Lawmakers have been busy, and the world of education is no exception. But which laws are actually creating a tangible impact on Texas classrooms, and more importantly, what are our students and families actually talking about? On this month's episode, Lance, Natalie, and Matthew cut through the noise of the huge glut of bills that have recently gone into implementation mode. We try to answer the question of which laws are actually on the minds of public school students, and which are better left "unread." Now Playing on all major platforms! Follow and Share wherever you listen to podcasts. We appreciate your ratings and reviews! Join the Conversation! Connect with us on Instagram and send us a DM with your thoughts or questions on any and All Things Education. Your submission may be featured on a future episode! Hosted By: Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch Produced By: Ace Arias

    42 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

This is All Things Education! The podcast where three dedicated teachers discuss what they know: the good, the not-so-good, and the continuous opportunity for high-quality education in Texas. Join us for a smart conversation as we dig deep into the issues that affect us all, in and around our great state.

Information

  • Creator
    Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter and Lance Barasch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All Things Education (Natalie Arias, Matthew Balter, Lance Barasch 2024)
  • Show Website
    All Things Education

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