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 candidates 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 July 31,2025 at 11:59pm. Position Overview: The Director, Educator Preparation Field Supports and Operations performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. The role plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping and sustaining high-quality educator preparation across the state. This position is responsible for designing and executing strategic initiatives that support educator preparation programs (EPPs), ensuring they meet rigorous standards and deliver effective outcomes for future educators. The Director will work in close partnership with the Division Director of Quality Preparation and the Director, Educator Preparation Programs Content and Assessment Strategy to implement EPP facing policy and supports required in House Bill 2 that was signed into law by Governor Abbott following the 89th Legislative Session. The Director will oversee the implementation of technical assistance, the continuing approval process, and ongoing quality monitoring of Educator Preparation Programs. A key component of this role is leading a comprehensive communication strategy that ensures transparency, alignment, and responsiveness across all field operations and supports. This role requires deep collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders and policy leaders, including the State Board for Educator Certification, philanthropic organizations, higher education institutions, and other education partners. The Director will serve as a strategic advisor and operational leader, ensuring that educator preparation efforts are aligned to state priorities and drive toward intended outcomes. They will lead several teams of more than 6 staff members and report to the Division Director of Quality Preparation. 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. EPP Policy and Continuing Approval Strategy: Improve the alignment of EPP policies and best practices and cultivate an EPP continuous improvement ecosystem through the redesign of the SBECs EPP rules and continuing approval processes. 1) Support team to design and implement policy to support the redesigned continuing approval review. 2) Design and oversee implementation of HB 2 policy related to EPP review and approval. 3) Oversee data collection and internal/external communication of proposed strategy adjustments regarding EPP review and approval. 2. EPP Technical Assistance Strategy: Support all Texas EPPs in accessing high-quality capacity building and technical assistance supports. This includes 1) design and manage a statewide technical assistance strategy that supports EPPs in meeting performance expectations and implementing best practices in educator preparation, including in connection with review and approval processes. Prioritized components of the technical assistance strategy will align to also support implementation of HB 2. 3. EPP Quality Monitoring: Develop and lead the strategy for a state performance management system to support implementation of continuous improvement plans that result from continuing approval review outcomes. Within this strategy, the Director will 1) oversee timely analysis and reporting of program progress toward intended outcomes, and 2) recommend strategy adjustment based on review of outcomes. 4. Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement: Build statewide investment in the states vision for high-quality teacher preparation through intentional planning for short and long-term change management, strong relationship building and ongoing collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders, and consistent, clear communication with the field. This includes oversight of a state communication strategy for EPP field supports. This includes responses to EPP, LEA, teacher candidate, and stakeholder concerns, as well as State Board for Educator Certification, State Board of Education, and legislative requests. 5. Team Management and Supervision: Manages and supports a team to establish and implement a vision for continuous improvement and effective educator preparation. Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Degree field(s): Education, Public Policy, Organization Leadership and Related Fields Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in education 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 Direct experience preparing, mentoring, developing, or coaching teachers for certification and/or improved practice with measurable results Knowledge of best practices in educator preparation, support, and development Demonstrated record of effective project management skills and attention to detail, including establishing outcomes, determining evaluative measures, and tracking progress with periodic job and task ambiguity Track record of exemplary talent management practices, including development of direct reports and managing toward outcomes Familiarity with Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code provisions related to educator standards and preparation and the ability to recognize and work within regulatory constraints Experience in agenda planning and effective delivery of presentations to a wide range of stakeholders, including an appointed board Proven change management and stakeholder engagement skills, including small and large group facilitation and adult professional development Skill in reviewing plans, documents, and drafts to provide high-quality feedback both verbally and in writing Ability to use data and research for purposes of continuous improvement Systems thinking and ability to effectively anticipate and identify challenges and plan for contingencies 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 States 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr