Exit Tickets: Big Questions for the Front of the Class

Lance Barasch
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Education
  • Updated Monthly

This is Exit Tickets: Big Questions for the Front of the Class, with Lance Barasch, where learning never stops after the bell rings. In each episode, Lance will conduct an honest, practical chat with an educator who does great things for students inside or outside the classroom. His big questions allow guests to open up with real stories about the realities of technology in modern education. Whether you are a curious parent, a lifelong learner, or just interested in how the next generation is being taught, this podcast is your backstage pass to the classroom. Tune in to see education through a whole new lens. No teaching degree required!

  1. Sep 9

    Episode 2: Joe Brewer

    What does it take to ensure that a students' opportunities aren’t limited by their ZIP code? In this episode of Exit Tickets: Big Questions for the Front of the Class, host Lance Barasch speaks with Joe Brewer, principal of Lewistown Junior/Senior High School in rural Illinois. Joe shares how his parents inspired him to pursue education, why he believes teachers are the heartbeat of democracy, and what has kept him committed to serving rural schools for more nearly two decades. Their conversation explores the strengths of rural communities, the dangers of deficit thinking, the growing pressures contributing to educator burnout, and the inequities students face when specialized programs, technology, and other opportunities simply aren’t available nearby. Joe closes with a practical challenge for anyone who wants to better understand and support public education: spend time inside a school. Whether you become a substitute teacher, volunteer, or simply ask where help is needed, seeing the work firsthand can transform how you understand the experiences of students and educators.

    Episode 2: Joe Brewer

  2. Aug 31

    Episode 1: Heather Gauck

    In this episode of Exit Tickets: Big Questions for the Front of the Class, Lance sits down with Michigan special education teacher Heather Gauck, whose career of more than three decades has centered on helping students feel safe, capable, and included. Heather shares how thoughtfully chosen assistive technology—and, more recently, AI—can level the playing field and restore joy for students with disabilities. She reflects on what first drew her to special education, why relationship-building and social skills matter just as much as academics, and a moving reunion with a former student who once struggled with selective mutism and later proudly graduated from high school. The conversation also explores the risk of AI widening the digital divide and the importance of ensuring every student develops the skills needed for an increasingly technology-driven future. Heather leaves educators and families with a powerful reminder: slow down, remain curious, recognize behavior as communication, and ask, “What can we do differently—not harder?” so every student has the opportunity to learn, participate, and belong.

    Episode 1: Heather Gauck

  3. 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

  4. 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

    Let's Talk About Vouchers

  5. 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

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

  6. 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

    Teacher Truths

  7. 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

    What We Teach

  8. 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

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

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

This is Exit Tickets: Big Questions for the Front of the Class, with Lance Barasch, where learning never stops after the bell rings. In each episode, Lance will conduct an honest, practical chat with an educator who does great things for students inside or outside the classroom. His big questions allow guests to open up with real stories about the realities of technology in modern education. Whether you are a curious parent, a lifelong learner, or just interested in how the next generation is being taught, this podcast is your backstage pass to the classroom. Tune in to see education through a whole new lens. No teaching degree required!

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