Science of Learning Specialist (Program Management Specialist II)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement through ERS

Employer-paid health insurance

Paid holidays and leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Texas Education Agency is seeking a Science of Learning Specialist in Austin to lead the statewide Science of Learning Fellowship, coordinate external contracts, and engage a broad network of researchers and educators. The role emphasizes program improvement and stakeholder collaboration across Texas.

The position requires travel up to 25% and allows flexible work location within Texas. A minimum five years in education or program management and a four-year degree are required.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in education, program management, educator development, professional learning, research translation, or a related field.
• Substitutions: An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Fellowship Implementation and Program Management: Develops, coordinates, and manages vision for the statewide Science of Learning Fellowship and aligns learning experiences, engagement, and evaluation.
• Contract and Partnership Coordination: Manages external contracts and partnerships, monitors deliverables, timelines, budgets, and performance.
• Cross-Agency Coordination and Communications: Supports consistent implementation, develops educator resources, and communicates progress.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Teacher Leadership Development: Builds statewide network of teacher leaders and facilitates fellow engagement with researchers.
• Research Translation, Monitoring, and Program Improvement: Analyzes program data and translates research into practical resources and learning supports.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Contract management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job ID 107969

Location Austin

Other Recruiting Location Austin;Texas

Number of Openings 1

State Job Code(s) 1671

Close Date 11/20/2026

Company Texas Education Agency

Full/Part Time Full-Time

Regular/Temporary Regular

Salary Admin Plan(s) B

Salary Admin Grade(s) 26

Salary Range $6377.50 - 8442.91 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 Talent Pathways division supports the Texas Education Agency¿s strategic priority to recruit, support, and retain teachers and principals. The Science of Learning Specialist performs advanced consultative and technical assistance work supporting the development, implementation, management, and continuous improvement of the statewide Science of Learning Fellowship. The position coordinates fellowship operations, manages an external implementation contract, supports engagement with research leaders and educators, and monitors program performance and outcomes.

This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to support alignment of Science of Learning initiatives, facilitate educator engagement, and develop resources that strengthen statewide implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.

This is an individual contributor role that works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This role reports to the Director of Teacher Leadership and Advancement within the Talent Pathways Division.

This position requires up to 25% 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 - Fellowship Implementation and Program Management: Develops, coordinates, and manages vision for and implementation of the statewide Science of Learning Fellowship. Coordinates fellowship recruitment, selection, onboarding, learning experiences, participant engagement, alumni activities, and evaluation. Monitors program performance, identifies implementation challenges, and recommends improvements to strengthen quality and program outcomes.

2 - Contract and Partnership Coordination: Manages day-to-day implementation of external contracts and partnerships supporting the fellowship. Monitors project plans, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and performance measures. Coordinates with researchers, Education Service Centers, school systems, and partner organizations to support fellowship activities and ensure successful implementation of program objectives.

3 - Cross-Agency Coordination and Communications: Coordinates collaboration across agency teams engaged in Science of Learning initiatives, including senior leaders, to support consistent implementation, communication, and resource development. Collects and synthesizes educator feedback, fellowship insights, and implementation examples. Develops communication materials, educator proof points, and resources that support agency initiatives and promote effective implementation of Science of Learning practices.

4 - Stakeholder Engagement and Teacher Leadership Development: Coordinates stakeholder engagement and supports development of a statewide network of teacher leaders. Facilitates opportunities for fellows to engage with researchers, share learning, and disseminate evidence-based practices within local and regional contexts. Maintains relationships with fellows, school systems, Education Service Centers, and other stakeholders to support program goals and continuous improvement.

5 - Research Translation, Monitoring, and Program Improvement: Monitors emerging Science of Learning research and supports translation of research findings into practical resources and professional learning supports. Conducts analyses of program data, participant feedback, and implementation outcomes. Develops reports, presentations, and recommendations to support program improvement and inform agency decision-making.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in education, program management, educator development, professional learning, research translation, or a related field

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
• Knowledge of Science of Learning, cognitive science, learning sciences, and evidence-based instructional practices
• Experience translating research into practical resources, professional learning, or implementation supports for educators
• Experience coordinating complex, multi-phase programs with cross-functional owners and external partners
• Skill in contract management, including monitoring scopes of work, deliverables, budgets, timelines, and vendor performance
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and credibly with researchers, educators, agency leaders, and other stakeholders
• Ability to lead through influence, build alignment, and navigate ambiguity across multiple teams and priorities
• Skill in using data, implementation evidence, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate performance and drive continuous improvement
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, presentation, and relationship-management skills
• Experience with teacher leadership, fellowship, professional learning, or statewide educator-engagement initiatives preferred

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.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [e-mail] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.