Special Projects Curriculum Specialist (Education Specialist IV)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State retirement plan

Health insurance

Dental & vision options

Paid holidays and leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Texas Education Agency seeks a Special Projects Curriculum Specialist to support the SBOE's review and revision of TEKS. You will facilitate stakeholder meetings, support curriculum programs, and coordinate state-level implementation of legislation and mandates.

You will provide technical assistance to educators, parents, and stakeholders, and collaborate across TEA divisions to ensure alignment with state law and rule.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience: At least four years of experience in program or project management relevant to education initiatives or program administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide support, coordination, and program management for SBOE review/revisions of curriculum standards.
• Coordinate and support implementation of curriculum programs and online resources.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to teachers, parents, and stakeholders regarding curriculum laws and rules.
• Provide legislative and SBOE support, including meeting materials and onsite support.
• Engage stakeholders through clear communications, meetings, and outreach activities.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Time management

Collaboration

Data analysis

Growth mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree (accredited four-year college/university)

Teaching certificate preferred (language arts, reading, social studies, math, or related fields)

Job description

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

The Division of Strategy and Curriculum Standards Alignment, which resides within the Office of School Programs, carries out the State Board of Education's review and revision process for the K-12 curriculum standards known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

The Special Projects Curriculum Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the State Board of Education review and revision process for the TEKS. The individual in this position supports the TEKS review and revision process by facilitating stakeholder and external work group meetings and assisting with meeting planning. The Curriculum Specialist assists educators, students, parents, and other stakeholders by providing technical assistance and non-regulatory guidance regarding general curriculum laws and rules, particularly with respect to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 74. This position also provides state-level coordination for the implementation of legislation and State Board of Education mandates, including required curriculum. The Curriculum Specialist collaborates with other divisions within the agency to provide support and guidance for education programs required by state law and rule.

The Special Projects Curriculum Specialist reports to the Deputy Director of Special Projects, closely partnering with staff from the Strategy and Curriculum Standards Alignment Division and staff from other divisions to provide support and guidance for programs required by state law or rule.

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.

Essential Functions

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

• 1 - Curriculum Standards Review and Adoption: Provides support, coordination, and program management for the SBOE's review and revision of the foundation and enrichment curriculum standards, including communicating with facilitators and work group members, facilitating meetings, and preparing, proofreading, and editing meeting documents. Project management support includes maintaining and managing milestones and tasks and collaborating across teams to progress systematically through the review in a unified process.
• 2 - Curriculum Programs: Coordinates and supports the implementation of curriculum programs, including development and maintenance of administrative and commissioner's rules; development and maintenance of frequently asked questions and other online resources; maintenance of machine-readable TEKS, and supporting updates to curriculum-related data standards in TSDS PEIMS and TREx.
• 3 - Internal and External Support: Provides technical assistance, guidance, support, and communication to teachers, parents, the public, and internal stakeholders regarding the Texas Education Code, the Texas Administrative Code, and TEA policies and procedures relating to general curriculum areas and outreach activities. Tasks may include drafting newsletters, coordinating engagement and outreach activities, and developing reports related to the review and revisions of the TEKS and curriculum programs.
• 4 - SBOE and Legislative Support: Provides legislative support, including bill analysis and assisting with implementation of new legislation. Assists with activities related to SBOE meetings, including preparation of materials for meetings and onsite support during meetings.
• 5 - Stakeholder engagement: Provides clear communication and coordination during the TEKS review process, including email responses, presentations, and facilitation of work groups. Maintains curriculum-related communications channels, including newsletters, stakeholder announcements, and approved digital communications.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in program or project management relevant to education initiatives or program administration in school districts, education service centers, colleges/universities, or state agencies

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
• Advanced skill composing, reviewing, and editing written communication to develop appropriate guidance documents and to create effective presentation materials
• Excellent time management skills to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver quality products
• Advanced skill in project management and program evaluation techniques and tools
• Ability to foster and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals and groups externally and internally at TEA
• Ability to perform data requests and locate, organize, and analyze information from different sources and data sets
• Valid teaching certificate in language arts, reading, social studies, math, or related fields preferred
• Experience in teaching, instructional leadership, curriculum development, and/or education program administration
• In-depth knowledge of academic curriculum standards with direct knowledge of the kindergarten through grade 12 TEKS and how they are taught and assessed in Texas public schools
• Knowledge of Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code related to curriculum and graduation requirements
• A desire to self-reflect and give and receive feedback with a growth mindset

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 will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

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.