Texas is one of the newest public funding opportunities available to Outschool educators. The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program is expected to serve nearly 100,000 learners across the state at launch and provide families with funding they can use toward approved educational expenses, including eligible Outschool classes.
If you’re interested in reaching Texas EFA families, now is the time to prepare.
What Is TEFA?
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program provides eligible families with state-funded education dollars that can be used for approved educational services and learning opportunities.
Funding amounts are expected to be approximately:
- $10,000 per year for students attending accredited private schools
- $2,000 per year for homeschooled students
- Up to $30,000 per year for students with disabilities
Families will access their funds through the Odyssey platform and use those funds to purchase approved educational services like Outschool classes.
Educator Eligibility Requirements
To participate in TEFA, educators must have a U.S. teaching certificate.
What Counts as a Teaching Certificate?
TEFA requires educators to hold a teaching certification issued in the United States. If you previously held a valid teaching certificate, we recommend uploading it to your Outschool account, even if it is no longer active. Texas has indicated that retired educators may be eligible to participate.
How to Upload Your Teaching Certificate
Need help uploading your credential? Watch our step-by-step video walkthrough of How to Upload a Credential on Outschool.
Once your credential has been reviewed and approved, your Public Funding Hub will reflect your updated eligibility status.
Why Prepare Now?
The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program is expected to launch in July 2026, creating a new opportunity to reach Texas families using public funding.
Educators who hold a U.S. teaching certificate can prepare now by uploading their credentials to Outschool. Completing this step ahead of launch can help ensure you’re ready when TEFA enrollments begin and reduce delays in becoming eligible for Texas-funded bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Texas to qualify?
No. The current requirement is a U.S. teaching certification. Educators do not need to reside in Texas.
Do I need a Texas teaching certificate specifically?
At this time, TEFA requires a U.S. teaching certificate.
Will all of my classes qualify?
Not necessarily. Public funding programs often apply additional filters based on:
- Subject area
- Class format
- Age range
- Class descriptions and keywords
Some classes may qualify while others may not.
Note: Funding schedules and award amounts vary by program and may change from year to year. Families should refer to their program administrator for the most current information.
