Teacher Incentive Allotment Teacher Observation and Data Collection 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 March 1, at 11:59pm.

Position Overview: The TIA Teacher Observation and Data Collection Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the implementation of House Bill 3’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), which provides a pathway for outstanding Texas teachers to earn six figure salaries. This role strengthens districts’ capacity to measure teacher performance through high quality observation practices and robust data systems.

This role’s work will primarily focus on the following key areas: (1) developing and delivering high-quality technical assistance and resources that support statewide TIA implementation of teacher observation and data collection requirements; (2) guiding districts and Education Service Centers (ESCs) through the TIA data submission process to promote accurate, timely, and aligned data collection that drives strong appraisal systems and increases teacher designations; and (3) support the continued development and improvement of the T-TESS system to ensure consistent, high quality appraisal practices statewide.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience with the collection and analysis of appraisal data and the development and delivery of technical assistance for a variety of district leadership roles and responsibilities. This individual will report to the Manager of Statewide Appraisal Systems.

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. TIA Technical Assistance: Develop and promote high-quality technical assistance and resources for districts and Education Service Centers to support TIA teacher observation and data collection. 
2. TIA Data Collection: Promote statewide implementation of data collection best practices and support the TIA data submission process to strengthen appraisal systems and increase teacher designations. 
3. TIA Approval Process: Contribute to and implement the annual process for evaluating locally developed teacher designation system applications in alignment with statutory requirements and best practices in teacher observation.
4. T-TESS Support: Support T-TESS by advancing data systems, evidence collection, rulemaking, and policy development to strengthen appraisal practices and inform continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in education or public policy 
• 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 with the use of teacher observation data collection as part of the implementation of a Teacher Incentive Allotment local designation system implementation preferred  
• Strong systems-level planning and project management skills, including establishing outcomes, determining evaluative measures, and tracking progress 
• Skill in breaking down complex information, asking questions, synthesizing, and analyzing data to prepare concise reports and exhibits using Microsoft Office suite 
• A strong customer-service mindset with a focus on engaging both internal and external stakeholders 
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment   
• Excellent written and oral communication skills   
• A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback and continuously improve  

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.