Open Education Resources Secondary Reading Language Arts (RLA) 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.

About the Role

The Open Education Resource (OER) team, part of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is committed to ensuring school systems have access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) that support effective teaching and learning across Texas. As a strategic priority of the Commissioner of Education, the OER initiative focuses on improving foundational reading, writing, and math skills through the creation of open and accessible instructional materials spanning multiple subjects and grade levels.

The OER Secondary Reading Language Arts (RLA) Content Specialist drives student outcomes by overseeing the procurement, review, and editing of high-quality language arts instructional materials across multiple courses and grade bands. Reporting to the OER Director of Secondary Reading Language Arts, this role requires exceptional Reading Language Arts expertise, vendor management, and stakeholder collaboration.

The position aligns with the agency's mission to empower educators, enhance HQIM implementation, and elevate student learning statewide. This position is a critical component of the Curriculum and Instruction Department within the Office of School Programs. This role 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.

Responsibilities

• Product Development and Review: Oversee the vision, methodology, and development of HQIM for 6-12 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.
• Implement Consultation and Support: Communicate and support the state vision for HQIM for classrooms, schools, and districts including helping to build an understanding of research-based instructional best-practices (RBIS) relevant to grade-level content and state standards.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Degree field(s): Education and English Language Arts or a related field.
• Experience: At least five (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.
• 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.
• Deep knowledge of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Secondary English Language Arts (Grades 6-12), including vertical alignment, curriculum design, assessment development, and instructional materials review.
• Experience with managing large program implementation initiatives, contracts, and/or grant programs is preferred.
• Strong understanding of research-based instructional practices, including the science of reading, the science of learning, and the design of high-quality Tier 1 literacy instruction.
• Expertise in secondary literacy components, including text complexity, vocabulary and morphology, writing, grammar, fluency, and foundational literacy skills.
• 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 implementing differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, including students receiving special education services, emergent bilingual students, and gifted and talented students.
• Experience with Open Educational Resources (OER), professional learning design and delivery, and alignment of instruction to college, career, and military 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.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and continuous improvement skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, communicate progress and concerns, and contribute to team goals.

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.

Benefits

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.

• 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.