Early Childhood Instructional Content Specialist (Education Specialist IV)

Job Description

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.

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.

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.

Position Overview: The Early Childhood Instructional Content Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the Early Childhood Education Division's goal of increasing the quality of early childhood programs (PK-2nd grade) across Texas.

The Instructional Content Specialist will oversee and support the effective implementation of instructional practices in early childhood (PK-2) programs. The Instructional Content Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting initiatives and projects aimed at improving student outcomes in PK-2 programs and ensuring alignment among several early learning initiatives within the Office of School Programs. Specifically, the role will support and monitor the ongoing implementation of the high-quality prekindergarten requirements in prekindergarten programs across the state. The Instructional Content Specialist will provide guidance, including relevant requirements and rules, to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and other stakeholders to support the implementation of a quality early childhood instructional program. This includes supporting and modeling effective development, implementation, and evaluation of a program's instructional framework.

Reporting to the Director of Early Childhood Programs in the Division of Early Childhood Education, the Instructional Content Specialist will work as part of a collaborative team focused on instructional quality, learning outcomes and standards, and early learning best practices.

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

Please note that a resume 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. Implementation of Effective Instructional Practices in PK-2: Develops and implements strategically planned efforts using data sources to support the implementation of effective instructional practices in early childhood (PK-2) with an emphasis on supporting PK-2nd grade programs with using student progress monitoring data to drive instructional decision-making.

2. PK-2 Learning Outcomes and Standards: Oversees the work to develop accurate, research-based guidance related to the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines & the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for grades K-2 in all content areas.

3. High-Quality Prekindergarten Program Implementation: Supports and monitors the ongoing implementation of high-quality prekindergarten programs across Texas to ensure fidelity of implementation and continuous improvement in data-driven instructional practices.

4. Collaboration & Service: Works collaboratively with connected teams to support the ongoing development, improvement, and implementation of early learning initiatives in the agency using relevant research to develop recommendations and ensure alignment. Serves as a resource for internal and external stakeholders by providing guidance on best practices for early childhood education (PK-2) instruction.



Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in teaching in grades PK-2, PK-2 curriculum and assessment, and/or administrative roles relevant to PK-2 education, including bilingual education, in school districts, at regional education service centers (ESCs), in university settings, and/or with statewide initiatives. Experience overseeing PK-2 programs at a district level preferred.

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

• Language: Native or near native fluency in Spanish and English (written and spoken) is preferred.

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

• Extensive knowledge of the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for grades K-2 in all content areas

• Strong understanding of best practices in early childhood including effective instructional practices in grades PK-2

• Understanding of PK-2 curriculum and assessment design and/or advanced skill in writing and/or reviewing curriculum

• Strong project management and time management skills with the ability to juggle competing priorities simultaneously to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks and drive team towards results

• Superior and effective professional verbal and written communication skills, including development of appropriate guidance documents and effective presentations

• Ability to build relationships and communicate clearly, concisely, respectfully, and inclusively with ESC staff, TEA staff, and external stakeholders

• A desire to self-reflect, give and receive feedback, and focus on continuous improvement

• Knowledge of Texas Education and Administrative Codes related to the early childhood grades preferred

• Experience managing grants and/or contracts preferred

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.

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.