The new Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) are opening a path for teachers to work as independent tutors or "teacher-preneurs."

Why it matters: Supporters say that could boost income and flexibility, while critics argue it highlights — not solves — low teacher pay.

How it works: Families can receive about $10,000 per student — more for students with disabilities — for private school tuition, tutoring or therapies through approved vendors.

Zoom in: Teachers who apply as TEFA vendors could earn rates comparable to classroom salaries by tutoring 25–30 hours a week at roughly $30–$35 an hour, Inga Cotton, founder of School Discovery Network, a nonprofit that helps families navigate school options, tells Axios.

• The nonprofit has been hosting events to walk educators through how TEFA works, how to apply as vendors and what it takes to launch tutoring businesses.
• "If they could find a way to keep helping kids, but maybe have more control over their working conditions, I think that's appealing," Cotton says. "Being an entrepreneur… gives you that flexibility and that freedom."

The other side: Monty Exter, governmental relations director for the Association of Texas Professional Educators, tells Axios the income potential doesn't match reality and reflects longstanding pay concerns.

• "People know that educators aren't paid enough… and they want to find ways to do that without having to spend any more money," he says.

Between the lines: TEFA allows teachers to work as paid tutors, but district policies may limit who they can serve. Exter says some districts restrict teachers from tutoring students on their campus — or any student in the district.

• He described that as a "gray, squishy" area that could complicate TEFA-funded work.
• Exter says those most likely to benefit are retired or former educators.

What they're saying: Educator Oletha Johnson is testing the model with evening and weekend learning pods while working full-time as a school counselor in East Central ISD.

• She recently became an approved vendor but said the process comes with "a lot of red tape" and requires educators to think like business owners, she tells Axios.

Texas employment growth slowed sharply in February, per a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Why it matters: Lower immigration is constraining the state's labor supply, while higher productivity is leading to less demand for labor.

• "Meanwhile, high oil prices are expected to boost state economic activity only if they are sustained," said Luis Torres, Dallas Fed senior business economist.

The big picture: Texas added 3,800 jobs in February, growing an annualized 0.3%.

• The Dallas Fed now expects Texas jobs will increase roughly 1% in 2026, Torres said.

Zoom in: Among major Texas metros, Austin posted the biggest employment decline at 3.3%.

• El Paso's declined 1.6%, followed by 1.4% in Fort Worth, 1% in San Antonio and 0.8% in Houston. Dallas registered nearly flat employment growth at 0.1%.

⭐️ Spurs' Keldon Johnson was named the 2025–26 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year after coming off the bench in all 82 games and scoring 1,000 points. (NBA)

⚡ The Pentagon chose Joint Base San Antonio for a prototype nuclear microreactor, which will make it the first military base in Texas to generate its own nuclear power, potentially by 2029. (Express-News 🔑)

🎢 Six Flags is offering a limited-time Pre-K Pass that gives kids ages 3 to 5 free, unlimited admission for the 2026 season. (Six Flags)

🎶 Pearl will host its first-ever Pearl Fest on May 23, featuring a free daytime music stage during the farmers market and a ticketed evening concert headlined by Los Lonely Boys. (Pearl)

It's no secret that the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades are the headliners this weekend, but here's a bit more fun happening around town.

Thursday

🎸 Find your skinny jeans and head to Emo Orchestra at the Aztec Theatre, where The Spill Canvas will perform hits backed by a full orchestra.

• Tickets start at $31; doors open at 6pm.

Friday

🎉 Celebrate Balcones Heights Fiesta with a free evening of live music, food and more at the Wonderland of the Americas, 4-10pm.

• Enjoy live performances by Gary Hobbs, David Marez and Mariachi Vargas de San Antonio.

🍹 Sip and vote at the Puro Sabor cocktail throwdown at Stable Hall, with local bars competing for the best Hennessy cocktail, 6-9pm.

• Free to attend with registration.

Saturday

🎶 Kick off the Flambeau Parade at La Fiesta del Mariachi at The Gunter Hotel with mariachi music, festive vibes and cocktails starting at 4pm.

Sunday

🌽 Celebrate Cornapalooza at Casa Navarro State Historic Site with live music, food, historical demos and family-friendly fun, noon-4pm.