Welcome to Playground Post, a bi-weekly newsletter that keeps education innovators ahead of what's next.

Here's what we have on deck for today…

• Texas Launches Massive Education Savings Innovation

• The Teacher Paradox: Happy but Burning Out

• Microschools Go Mainstream: From Pandemic Lifeline to Educational Revolution

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Texas Launches Massive Education Savings Innovation

Texas is rolling out a $1 billion education savings account (ESA) program for the 2026-27 school year, allowing families to customize their children's education like never before.

This represents one of the largest investments in parent-directed education funding in the country, creating massive opportunities for innovative education providers, curriculum developers, and technology platforms.

For education entrepreneurs and non-profits, this opens doors to create solutions that serve families looking for personalized learning experiences outside traditional models.

The Teacher Paradox: Happy but Burning Out

A new Gallup and Walton Family Foundation study reveals a head-scratching contradiction in America's classrooms.

While 70% of teachers report workplace satisfaction, saying they know what's expected of them, have encouragement at work, and can use their strengths daily, over 90% also report feeling some level of burnout.

The data points to a clear need to help teachers maintain the positive aspects of their work while reducing the factors causing burnout.

Microschools Go Mainstream: From Pandemic Lifeline to Educational Revolution

According to exclusive new data from the National Microschooling Center, microschools are expanding rapidly:

• The median student count jumped from 16 to 22 in just one year

• Some now serve up to 100 students

• They collectively educate about 2% of U.S. students (750,000 children)

• 86% of founders now have education backgrounds (up from 71%)

State education funding is behind this explosive growth. 38% of microschools now receive state school choice funds through programs like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs.) It’s up from 32% last year.

This presents a massive opportunity to create tools, curriculum, and support services specifically designed for this rapidly scaling model that combines the personalization of homeschooling with the community of traditional schools.

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We’ll be back with another edition on Tuesday. See you then!

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