Open Education Resources Reading Language Arts (RLA) Content Specialist (Education Specialist V)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

Paid state holidays, vacation leave, S

Ly longevity pay

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Texas Education Agency is seeking an Open Education Resource (OER) Reading Language Arts Content Specialist to oversee development and review of HQIM materials across multiple courses and grade bands. You will apply deep content expertise, collaborate with publishers, and ensure materials meet standards and legislative requirements.

You will work under the OER Deputy Director of K-5 Reading Language Arts, travel up to 10%, and support policy interpretation of TEKS and TEC rules while

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Degree field: Education, English Language Arts, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in teaching, curriculum and assessment, instructional coaching, and/or administrative roles relevant to reading language arts instruction.
• An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the vision, methodology, and development of HQIM for Reading Language Arts by supervising multiple publishers and vendor content teams to deliver standards-aligned Materials.
• Communicate and support the state vision for HQIM for classrooms, schools, and districts including RBIS relevant to grade-level content and state standards.
• Plan and facilitate content reviews and engagement opportunities with Texas educators to support continuous improvement of instructional materials.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to influence project partnership and adoption of open educational resources.
• Support TEA in aligning initiatives and system operations to facilitate HQIM adoption and implementation.

Education

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Education, English Language Arts, or a related field

At least five (5) years of experience in teaching, curriculum and assessment, instructional coaching, and/or administrative roles relevant to reading language arts instruction

An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience

Job description

Job ID 107744

Location Austin

Other Recruiting Location Austin;Texas

Number of Openings 1

State Job Code(s) 0824

Close Date 11/18/2026

Company Texas Education Agency

Full/Part Time Full-Time

Regular/Temporary Regular

Salary Admin Plan(s) B

Salary Admin Grade(s) 25

Salary Range $5797.66 - 7653.00 per Month

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Job Description

Position Overview: The Open Education Resource (OER) team works to expand access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) that help educators deliver excellent instruction and improve outcomes for students across Texas. A strategic priority of the Commissioner of Education, the OER initiative develops high-quality, openly accessible instructional materials designed to strengthen foundational reading, writing, and mathematics skills across subjects and grade levels.

The OER Reading and Language Arts (RLA) Content Specialist drives student outcomes by overseeing the development, review, editing, and continuous improvement of RLA materials across multiple courses and grade bands, applying deep content expertise and strong instructional judgment throughout the process. Reporting to the OER Deputy Director of K-5 Reading Language Arts, the Content Specialist brings deep RLA content expertise, strong vendor management and stakeholder collaboration skills to deliver accurate, rigorous, and classroom-ready instructional materials.

As applicable to the role, the successful candidate will approach the work with a strong commitment to academic excellence, intellectual rigor, factual accuracy, and the development of deep and enduring knowledge. The candidate will value knowledge-rich instruction, strong content knowledge, authoritative sources, and research-based practices that support effective teaching and learning. The candidate must also demonstrate knowledge of applicable state statutes and rules and the ability to apply them in the development and implementation of the policies, programs, and initiatives. Relevant statutes include, but are not limited to, Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 4.001 (public education mission and objectives), 28.002 (required curriculum and essential knowledge and skills), 28.0022 (instructional requirements and prohibitions), and 31.022 (suitability). In addition, the candidate will understand and support State Board of Education direction, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and applicable priorities established by the Texas Governor, Legislature, and the agency. The successful candidate will pair this grounding with sound judgment and strategic awareness, translating policy into practical and effective implementation while demonstrating responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, respect for parental rights, and a sustained focus on supporting students, educators, and strong academic outcomes.

This position is a critical component of the Curriculum and Instruction Department within the Office of School Programs.

This position requires up to 10% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Applicants must also complete the required short answer responses as part of the application questionnaire. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Essential Functions

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1 - Product Development and Review: Oversee the vision, methodology, and development of HQIM for Reading Language Arts by supervising multiple publishers and vendor content teams with the goal of delivering standards-aligned, high-quality Reading Language Arts materials anchored in research-based instructional strategies and legislative requirements in order to drive student achievement across Texas schools

2 - Implement Consultation and Support: Communicate and support the state vision for HQIM for classrooms, schools, and districts including helping to build an understanding of research-based instructional best-practices (RBIS) relevant to grade-level content and state standards

3 - Continuous Improvement for Reading Language Arts: Plan and facilitate content reviews and engagement opportunities with a variety of Texas stakeholders including, but not limited to, Texas educators to support the continuous improvement of instructional materials

4 - Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to impact and influence project partnership and the adoption and utilization of our open educational resources, including planning and facilitating educator focus groups and collaborating with the Regional Education Service Centers across the state

5 - Reading Language Arts Operations: Support the TEA in aligning initiatives and system operations to facilitate easier HQIM adoption and implementation to eliminate instructional barriers and support educators in improving academic outcomes

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Degree field: Education, English Language Arts, or a related field

Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in teaching, curriculum and assessment, instructional coaching, and/or administrative roles relevant to reading language arts instruction in school districts, at regional education service centers (ESCs), in university settings, and/or with statewide initiatives

Substitutions: An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
• Experience with managing large program implementation initiatives, contracts, and/or grant programs is preferred
• Deep knowledge of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English Language Arts and Reading (Grades K-5), including vertical alignment, curriculum design, assessment development, and instructional materials review
• Strong understanding of research-based instructional practices, including the science of reading, the science of learning, and the design of high-quality Tier 1 literacy instruction
• Expertise in literacy components, including text complexity, vocabulary and morphology, writing, grammar, fluency, and foundational literacy skills
• Knowledge of the Texas Education Code (TEC) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC), with the ability to interpret and communicate legislative and regulatory requirements within statutory authority
• Experience implementing differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, including students receiving special education services, emergent bilingual students, and gifted and talented students
• Experience with Open Educational Resources (OER), professional learning design and delivery, and alignment of instruction to college, career, and military readiness expectations
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and inclusively with contractors, ESC staff, TEA staff, and other stakeholders
• Excellent organizational, project management, and continuous improvement skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, communicate progress and concerns, and contribute to team goals

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:

• Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
• Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.

Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.

For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.