Joel Enge: From Public School Teacher to Education Freedom Advocate

When Joel Enge quit his job and sold his house to open a microschool in Tyler, Texas for students struggling in traditional education, he never imagined his work would lead to the most expansive education freedom victory in the history of the Lone Star State. Joel was making a difference in his community, but he felt a drive to help students and families across Texas.  

 What once seemed like a lofty goal became a reality when Joel took one small step and joined forces with Americans for Prosperity (AFP). The partnership showed him what’s possible with the support, resources, and grassroots momentum to reach decision-makers at the highest level of government.  

One Size Doesn’t Fit All 

During his two decades as a teacher in the public school system, Joel noticed that in Texas’ one-size-fits-all education system, some students struggled to keep pace. Others fell behind and some dropped out altogether. He realized education went far beyond textbooks and standardized tests.  

“I’m watching many of my students that I taught in elementary and middle school dropout,” Joel recalls. “So, it just began to grow in my heart that I’ve got to do something different. It’s time to step out and make a change.” 

In 2013, Joel made a bold decision. He left his job, sold his home, and used the funds to start Kingdom Life Academy (KLA), an innovative experimental learning school focused on equipping students with real-world skills, such as financial literacy, running and owning a business, growing and preparing food, and caring for livestock.  

For the students who didn’t fit the traditional mold, KLA became a lifeline. For Belin, a recent KLA graduate and current University of Texas-Tyler student, KLA was a game changer.  

While in traditional education, she struggled with staying motivated and focused. “I was always mentally exhausted,” she remembers. “Project-based learning really helped me. Being in the garden definitely helped. It made my body move.” 

Joel’s Voice Fuels the Fight for Change  

But while Joel was making a difference in his community, he knew countless other families across Texas weren’t able to give their children the education that truly suits them. Watching parents stretch themselves to afford KLA’s comparatively modest tuition strengthened Joel’s resolve to be part of a permanent and expansive solution. 

Kristi Antonick, AFP-Texas Coalitions Director, visited KLA while AFP was in the process of recruiting educators to engage with decision-makers on the need for education savings accounts — a program that funds family choice when it comes to selecting from a variety of schooling options, such as private or homeschool.  

It was immediately clear to Kristi that Joel’s story gave him a unique voice. As a former public school teacher who had stepped outside the system to fill a need he saw in his community, Joel’s perspective bridged both worlds.  

“He could see the strengths in public education, but he could also see the places where it wasn’t working,” Kristi explained. She knew that with the right support and a platform to amplify his voice, Joel’s story could help shape the future of education in Texas. 

Joel remembers the day he first connected with AFP and learned about the potential of an ESA program in Texas. He knew this would be the vehicle for change he so desperately desired. 

“Americans for Prosperity was very pivotal in opening my eyes to the impact that I could have,” Joel remembers.   

Joel brought his story to the Texas State Capitol and testified on behalf of the bill. But he didn’t stop there — he later returned with his students to show lawmakers the transformative impact of schools like KLA and why it’s critical to ensure all kids have access to educational options that fit their needs. 

Joel’s dedication to preparing future generations for success caught the attention of Gov. Greg Abbott, who made a trip to KLA and saw firsthand its students defying the odds and living out their full potential. 

“What Joel has been able to do here is have the ability to lift up every student who comes here and ensure that students when they leave here [are] going to be on a better pathway in life,” observed Gov. Abbott. 

A New Era of Education Freedom 

After years of laser-focused advocacy at the local and state level across Texas, AFP’s tireless efforts mobilizing supporters, educating lawmakers and the public on the need for change and amplifying voices like Joel’s, Universal ESAs were passed into law on May 3, 2025.  

The landmark legislation provides funding for all parents to send their child(ren) to a school of their choice. The historic victory marks a new era of education freedom in Texas and shows what’s possible when you challenge the status quo and empower communities to get involved on the issues that impact their daily lives.    

“It has just all been amazing, but all of this has happened because Americans for Prosperity fueled me like I would’ve never imagined,” recalls Joel. “The investment that [AFP] made in me, to be able to be involved, and to be a factor has just been incredible. I’m so grateful.”  

Joel’s work with AFP empowered him to grow from a public servant and valued member of his community to a powerful leader and advocate for all Texas students and families. His story is a reminder that with the right support, a single individual can take one small step that will open doors for millions and achieve lasting change.  

Join Americans for Prosperity today and take your first step to champion positive change in your community.