Policy Development Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.
Core Values: 
 We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students. 
 We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
 We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
 We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

New hires, re-hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

This is a 10-day posting, which will close on June 19, at 11:59pm.

Position Overview: The Division of Policy and Planning supports the Department of Educator Preparation, Certification, and Enforcement (EPCE) by leading rulemaking, policy development, strategic planning, and suitability review processes that are data-driven, transparent, and aligned with Texas policy, statutory frameworks, and agency priorities.

The Education Specialist V (Content Review and Policy Alignment) performs highly complex, senior-level work with limited supervision and considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The position serves as a subject matter expert in Texas policy and statutory frameworks and in the review and evaluation of educator preparation coursework, leading the development and execution of statewide review and suitability frameworks to assess content against statutory, regulatory, and agency requirements.

The role requires a strong understanding of Educator Preparation Program (EPP) content and supports both agency-developed content and EPP coursework. The position provides expert analysis and recommendations that inform continuing approval review determinations, policy implementation, and strategic decision-making. This position works in close collaboration with internal content development and continuing approval review teams and reports to the Senior Director of Policy and Planning.

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

Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. 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. Coursework Review and Evaluation Frameworks: Supports the design and execution of advanced, statewide processes for reviewing educator preparation coursework to ensure alignment with statutory requirements, state standards, and agency-defined quality expectations, including leading application of suitability review frameworks. Maintains clear criteria and documentation to support audit-ready, defensible review decisions.
2. EPP Content Alignment: Provides state policy subject matter expertise to ensure alignment, quality, and policy compliance across both coursework development and evaluation processes. Collaborates with internal teams to strengthen agency-developed content and ensure coherence across the EPP content development and review lifecycle.
3. Policy Development: Serves as a strategic advisor by providing expert analysis and recommendations that influence program approval decisions, rule implementation, and strategic direction. Translates complex content review findings into actionable guidance with statewide policy and operational implications.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Assistance: Delivers high-level technical assistance and stakeholder engagement to ensure shared understanding of coursework expectations, review standards, and compliance requirements. Supports consistency, quality, and transparency across internal reviewers and external stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in education at the teacher, campus or district leader, educator preparation program faculty, and/or legislative level 
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 educator preparation program requirements, including applicable Texas Administrative Code provisions
Knowledge of curriculum design, instructional materials evaluation, and content standards review
Knowledge of the Texas policy and political landscape as it relates to public education and instructional materials
Knowledge of suitability review practices and frameworks (e.g., instructional materials review and approval processes)
Skill in analyzing complex content and identifying alignment, quality, and compliance issues
Skill in developing frameworks, rubrics, and structured review processes
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make defensible recommendations with significant policy implications
Ability to communicate complex findings clearly in written and verbal formats
Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines simultaneously
Experience with educator preparation program approval or continuing approval review processes
Experience with instructional materials review, including suitability review processes (e.g., IMRA or similar frameworks)
Experience developing or reviewing large-scale instructional content or training programs
Experience translating statutory or regulatory requirements into operational guidance or review frameworks

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.

To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State's Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military "occupational category" that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title.

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 Employment at TEA page.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "capps.recruiting@cpa.texas.gov" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.