Policy Lead, Educator Accountability (Policy Analyst III)

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 May 28, at 11:59pm.

Position Overview: The Policy Lead, Educator Accountability serves to provide strategic support to the Inspector General for Educator Misconduct at the Texas Education Agency. The role provides expert review and guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices related to educator conduct and accountability. The Policy lead will engage in moderate public interfacing to foster transparency and collaboration, conduct in-depth research to inform decision-making, and offer advisory support to enhance the integrity of Texas’s education system. This position requires a blend of analytical acumen, communication skills, and a commitment to ethical standards in public education.

The policy lead will participate in Office of the Inspector General (OIG) strategic visioning and planning processes, communicate regularly with policymakers, stakeholders, families, and legislative staff, and will work under minimal supervision. Ideal candidates will hold a deep authentic belief in the TEA and OIG’s mission, be an outstanding team member and communicator, be highly skilled in flexible processes and public engagement, and possess exceptional judgment and discernment.

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. Strategic Support: Provide strategic support and recommendations to the Inspector General on matters related to educator misconduct, including policy development; regulatory compliance, and risk mitigate strategies. Analyze emerging trends in including educator ethics and propose proactive measures to prevent misconduct. Collaborate with cross-functional teams within TEA and other state agencies to align misconduct advisory efforts with broader educational goals. Assist in preparation of annual reports, legislative testimonies, and responses to public inquiries regarding educator misconduct.
2. Research: Conduct comprehensive research on educator misconduct cases, legal precedents, and national best practices using data from internal databases, academic sources, and stakeholder inputs. Compile reports, white papers, and data analyses to support investigations, enforcement, and policy reforms. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs related to educator accountability, recommending improvements based on research findings and public feedback. Stay abreast of federal and state laws, regulations, and industry developments impacting educator conduct, integrating this knowledge into advisory functions.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a liaison between OIG and external stakeholders, including educators, school districts, families, parents, and advocacy groups. Facilitate public outreach initiatives, such as workshops and informational sessions, to educate on misconduct reporting protocols and promote ethical standards in education.
4. Project and Performance Management: Manage and supports program planning and assist staff in monitoring and evaluating deliverables and schedules throughout all project phases until completion. Create documentation (Metrics) of project deliverables and processes for a historical archive. Support the processing of agency rulemaking items for legal review and provide technical assistance to agency program staff regarding rulemaking procedures. Identify program requirements and develop methods to assess the effectiveness of agency initiatives. Ensure program decisions align with program requirements, relevant rules, policies, and procedures, as well as the agency’s strategic goals. Collaborate with internal divisions and departments to achieve complex cross-functional program and business outcomes involving multiple work streams. 

Minimum Qualifications
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in advisory, research, or public policy roles
• 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 
• Experience working in education, government, or regulatory environments.
• Strong understanding of educator misconduct issues, the Texas Education Code, and investigative principles. Proficiency in research methodologies and data analysis tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for advisory reports and public presentations. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and research databases. 
• Capacity to conduct independent research and synthesize complex information into actionable advice. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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.