Preparing and Retaining Educators through Partnership Program (PREP), Operations Specialist

Organization: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY

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 workstreams, 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 workstreams.
2. PREP Rulemaking Support: Support Commissioner of Education and State Board of Educator Certification rulemaking processes and serve as a liaison between program and rulemaking teams. Facilitate internal and external stakeholder engagement related to rulemaking 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.

Qualifications

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 program improvement and growth
• Experience with balancing the demands of multiple projects at different stages of development while maintaining quality and consistency across all work with periodic job and task ambiguity
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to copyedit work products and produce high quality work in a dynamic environment
• Diligent in setting measurable goals, long-term project planning, tracking progress, and prioritizing work
• Analytical with the ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
• Communicates complex ideas clearly, using practical and accessible language; excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly-skilled in presenting to/engaging with stakeholders from various backgrounds

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.

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.

Salary Admin Plan: B
Grade: 23
Salary (Pay Basis): 5,098.66 - 6,701.75 (Monthly)

Closing Date: Jun 26, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Job Posting: Jun 12, 2026, 4:02:34 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Overtime Status: Exempt

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

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.