Policy Lead, Educator Accountability (Policy Analyst III)

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is dedicated to improving outcomes for all public-school students in Texas by providing leadership and support to school systems. The Policy Lead, Educator Accountability will provide strategic support to the Inspector General for Educator Misconduct, focusing on policy development, research, and stakeholder engagement to enhance the integrity of the education system.

Responsibilities:

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• At least four (4) years of experience in advisory, research, or public policy roles
• An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience
• 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