SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Teachers and educators can cash in on the Education Savings Account program passed by the state Legislature, also known informally as school vouchers. <\/p>\n
This story is the latest update in KSAT\u2019s lengthy coverage of the vouchers<\/a> and ESAs. <\/p>\n The students that will get around $10,000 on average for non-public schools will also be able to spend that money on specific tutors or even mental health resources. <\/p>\n However, a lot of educators that could provide those services don\u2019t know the opportunity exists. <\/p>\n \u201cI was a teacher for six years. I taught mostly high school English, some middle school reading intervention and special education. I often also did tutoring outside of work,\u201d said Zoe Alterman Grewing. <\/p>\n Grewing left the business to get another degree and become a mom. When she heard Education Savings Accounts passed in Texas, she didn\u2019t think that would affect her.<\/p>\n \u201cI had no idea, nor do a lot of my friends who are teachers had any idea, that there\u2019s an opportunity here for teachers to be able to earn extra revenue doing something that they love,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n She knows the new law is controversial, as opponents say it takes funds away from public schools. <\/p>\n It\u2019s something she worries about, too, but she is focusing on any upsides, like being able to offer her services to kids who might never have been able to afford private school or tutoring. <\/p>\n \u201cThe way that I look at it is the law did pass and it\u2019s here to stay, so we have to meet the moment. And for me, meeting the moment means expanding access for both families and teachers,\u201d Grewing said. \u201cSo I\u2019m really committed to being a person who can help do that.\u201d<\/p>\n Grewing is applying to be on the list of tutors that students can now choose from when spending their Education Savings Account money.<\/p>\n She will hopefully tutor in English, reading and college readiness. <\/p>\n \u201cTutoring runs, you know, $50 to $100 an hour typically. So as someone who taught in Title 1 schools, I would love to be able to bring that source for families who might not usually be able to afford that,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n Grewing said this could also be a great side gig for current teachers. <\/p>\n \u201cA lot of teachers have side gigs. That is very common. As we know, teachers in my opinion aren\u2019t paid enough,\u201d Grewing said. <\/p>\n There are lots of options when it comes to services they can provide. <\/p>\n \u201cWhether it\u2019s tutoring, whether it is instructional support, they can provide curriculum support, curriculum design, mental health services,\u201d said Raymond Tijerina with the nonprofit School Discovery Network<\/a>. <\/p>\n School Discovery Network helps families find the school that\u2019s best for their child. The team is now trying to get the word out to educators about this opportunity. <\/p>\n \u201cI mean, they don\u2019t get paid enough at all,\u201d Tijerina said. \u201cSo this is another way for them to create another revenue stream for themselves. Certified teachers of the state of Texas come in, apply with the state to become a vendor.\u201d<\/p>\n School Discovery Network is holding a town hall once a month for the next three months, showing teachers how to apply and even how to open their own business. The first town hall was last Thursday.<\/p>\n \u201cI would encourage people to look into the savings accounts,\u201d Grewing said. <\/p>\n \u201cThe money is there; it\u2019s passed. Let\u2019s get as much of that money here in Bexar County to help our families as much as we can,\u201d Tijerina said. <\/p>\n The Teacher Town Hall series will happen from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on three upcoming Thursdays: Feb. 12, March 19 and April 16. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s free food, free drinks and they come out and learn a little bit,\u201d Tijerina said. <\/p>\n The School Discovery Network will announce locations soon. <\/p>\n