The Big Beautiful Bill and Public Education: A Teacher’s Perspective
I don’t usually dive deep into political news, but the recent wave of misinformation surrounding the Big Beautiful Bill and public education has been impossible to ignore. As a 31-year-old special education teacher with a decade of classroom experience, this topic hits close to home—especially with the growing rumors that public education will end in 2026 and that homeschooling will be forced on all families. These claims have spread quickly, and it’s important to look at the facts and what this legislation actually does.
What the Big Beautiful Bill and Public Education Changes Actually Do
First, let’s be clear: the Big Beautiful Bill does not end public education.
Public schools are not closing in 2026. Instead, the bill focuses on expanding school choice, giving families more flexibility to choose the educational path that best fits their children’s needs.
The bill creates opportunities for families to access:
- Traditional public schools
- Charter schools
- Homeschooling
- Private schools
As someone who has worked in special education for 10 years, I can tell you that education is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one child might not work for another. Expanding choice means families can find the best fit for their child’s learning style, values, and needs.
Big Beautiful Bill, Public Education, and the Trump Executive Order Rumor
One of the most persistent rumors going around is that President Donald J. Trump is planning to force homeschooling through an executive order beginning in 2026. According to these claims, every student would be removed from public schools and families forced to homeschool whether they want to or not.
This is not true.
There is no executive order that mandates homeschooling for all families, nor any legal authority allowing the president to abolish public education by decree. While conversations about school choice and parental rights are active, public schools are not being eliminated, and no executive action can unilaterally force all students into homeschooling.
Why a President Can’t Do That by Executive Order
Executive orders direct federal agencies, not state or local school systems, which manage most public education. Public schools are established and regulated by state and local governments. So a president cannot simply override them with an order.
To change the structure of education across the board — such as ending public schools or mandating homeschooling — would require legislation passed by Congress and, in many cases, cooperation with state governments.
So, in short:
- There is no federal mandate for homeschooling.
- Public education is not ending via executive order.
- The Big Beautiful Bill supports expanding school choice and includes homeschooling provisions for those who choose that path, but it does not force it.
This bill is fundamentally about empowering families to choose the education model that works best for their children, whether that’s public school, charter, private, or homeschool.
Why This Matters to Me as a Special Education Teacher
This issue isn’t just political for me — it’s personal.
In my 10 years working in special education, I’ve seen how individualized approaches transform students’ lives. Some of my students thrive in structured public school settings with access to services and peers. Others make incredible progress through alternative educational models that give them more flexibility.
The Big Beautiful Bill and its school choice provisions give families the power to make these decisions intentionally, with resources and support — not roadblocks.
Why the Big Beautiful Bill is a Positive Step for Families and Public Education
I understand why education legislation can feel overwhelming. Misinformation spreads fast, and it often sounds alarming. But after looking at the Big Beautiful Bill closely, I genuinely see it as a positive step forward.
Here’s why:
- It empowers families to choose the education path that best fits their children.
- It supports homeschooling families while maintaining public education.
- It values diverse learning options, which benefits students with different needs.
- It encourages collaboration, not competition, between education models.
Public education isn’t ending. Homeschooling isn’t being forced. Families are simply being given more choices — and as an educator, that matters to me.
Final Thoughts
I don’t usually write about politics. But when a rumor threatens to confuse families, discourage parents, and undermine trust in education, I can’t stay quiet.
The Big Beautiful Bill and public education are not in conflict. This legislation opens doors for families, respects parents’ decisions, and builds a stronger, more flexible education system.
As someone who has worked in special education for 10 years, I see this not as a threat, but as an opportunity.