Preparing and Retaining Educators Partnership Program; PREP), Operations Specialist; Education Specialist IV

Position: Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Program (PREP), Operations Specialist (Education Specialist IV)
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 26, at 11:59pm.

Position Overview:

The Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Program (PREP), Operations Specialist, will support the development and implementation of high-priority initiatives within the Talent Pathways Division. The Talent Pathways division oversees the implementation of strategic staffing to maximize the impact of highly effective teachers, pre- and early-service teacher mentorship, and teacher pathways into leadership and administrative roles. This includes supporting management and implementation of multiple work streams within the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership (PREP) Program Allotment, which the legislature established in 2025 via House Bill 2 of the 89th legislative session.

Critical to success in this role is the ability to effectively take high-level visions and convert them into clear, accessible, usable plans; manage multiple work streams with interdependencies; quickly build relationships with peers; and develop buy-in where direct reporting structures may not exist.

This position will report to the Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Program (PREP), Project Manager.

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. PREP Workstream Implementation:
Own and/or support the implementation of multiple PREP allotment work streams, including (but not limited to); LASO management, allotment fund distribution processes, PREP Verification of Participation tools and processes, and PREP participant support. Support the development and maintenance of Smartsheet work plans, reports, and dashboards for these work streams.

2. PREP Rule making Support:
Support Commissioner of Education and State Board of Educator Certification rule making processes and serve as a liaison between program and rule making teams. Facilitate internal and external stakeholder engagement related to rule making such as coordination of stakeholder meetings, management of pre-work, synthesis of input in accessible reports, and data analysis. Support the facilitation of stakeholder input meetings.

3. Performance management of PREP Program Allotment:
Support implementation of PREP performance management practices in accordance with those established by the Alignment and Delivery Unit (ADU) and the EPCE Department to support program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts. Aggregate data from compliance reports, surveys, and other performance management tools across PREP Programs. Support collaboration across program teams and EDRS, philanthropic organizations funding research, and other interested parties.

Minimum Qualifications

* Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

* Experience:

At least four (4) years of experience in education or related field

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

* Self-starter with ability to learn quickly and adjust based on external feedback and self-learning

* Vision-driven; consistently looks for opportunities for…