All Things Education

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 [https://www.instagram.com/p/C6bGlzCOzdF/] 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)

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 [https://www.instagram.com/allthingseducationpodcast/] 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

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 [https://www.instagram.com/allthingseducationpodcast/] 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

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/ [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 [https://www.instagram.com/allthingseducationpodcast/] 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)

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 [https://www.instagram.com/allthingseducationpodcast/] 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