Open Education Resources Secondary Bilingual Reading Language Arts (RLA) & Positive Character Traits (PCT) Content Specialist (Education Specialist V)

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.

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 Secondary Bilingual Reading Language Arts (RLA) & Positive Character Traits Content Specialist drives student outcomes by overseeing the development, review, editing, and continuous improvement of language arts instructional materials in both English and Spanish across multiple courses and grade bands. Reporting to the OER Deputy Director of Secondary Reading Language Arts, the Content Specialist brings deep RLA content expertise, strong vendor management and stakeholder collaboration skills, and full professional fluency in English and Spanish, including the ability to communicate effectively in speaking and writing with diverse stakeholders in both languages.

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 Secondary 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's vision for high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in classrooms, schools, and districts, including building stakeholder understanding of research-based instructional practices that support grade-level content mastery, positive character development, and alignment to state standards 3
• Continuous Improvement for Secondary 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
• Secondary 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

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Degree field: Education and English Language Arts or a related field Experience: At least (5) years of experience in teaching, curriculum and assessment, instructional coaching, and/or administrative roles relevant to secondary Reading Language Arts instruction in school districts, at regional education service centers (ESCs), in university settings, and/or with statewide initiatives.

Demonstrated professional fluency in English and Spanish, with the ability to read, write, speak, and provide content-based feedback effectively in both languages required. 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 Spanish language fluency, with a strong command of Spanish academic grammar conventions, and experience with or knowledge of Texas Bilingual Education programs 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 Secondary Reading Language Arts (Grades 6¿12) and Positive Character Traits (Grades 6¿12), including vertical alignment, curriculum design, assessment development, instructional materials review, and the integration of literacy and character development outcomes Strong understanding of research-based instructional practices, including the science of reading, the science of learning, RLA research-based instructional strategies, and the design of high-quality Tier 1 instruction that supports both academic growth and the development of positive character traits Expertise in secondary literacy components, including text complexity, vocabulary and morphology, writing, grammar, fluency, and foundational literacy skills, with the ability to leverage texts and learning experiences to foster reflection, ethical reasoning, and character development.

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 designing and implementing differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, including students receiving special education services, emergent bilingual students, and gifted and talented students, while fostering inclusive learning environments that cultivate empathy, respect, and responsible decision-making Experience with Open Educational Resources (OER), professional learning design and delivery, and alignment of instruction to college, career, military, and civic 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 to advance student learning and character development goals Excellent organizational, project management, and continuous improvement skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, communicate progress and concerns, contribute to team goals, and embody a growth mindset, and positive attitude 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.

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

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 .

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.

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 capps.

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