Deputy Director, Reading Academies (Director I)

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 August 26, 2025 at 11:59pm. 

Position Overview: The Content Academies team is driven by the core belief that every student can learn and that teacher' skills and content knowledge are essential to student success. The team supports Texas districts and schools through the Mathematics Achievement Academies and Texas Reading Academies. By developing and delivering high-quality professional learning, the team builds the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to effectively deliver high-quality instruction in math and reading.

The Deputy Director of Reading Academies provides strategic leadership for the implementation and continuous improvement of the Texas Reading Academies, a cornerstone of the agency’s commitment to building strong literacy foundations statewide. The Deputy Director oversees the mandatory K–3 Reading Academies for all teachers and administrators, leads the expansion of optional Grades 4–8 Reading Academies, and develops new pathways such as Reading Interventionist Academies and integration into Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs). 

This individual manages a team of 4 staff members and works in close partnership with Education Service Centers (ESCs), authorized providers, biliteracy and literacy content experts, and technology vendors to ensure high-quality, evidence-based training aligned with state standards. The Deputy Director also ensures alignment with broader agency initiatives and supports cross-functional collaboration to maximize educator impact and student literacy outcomes.

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. Leadership of Mandatory K–3 Reading Academies Implementation: Oversee the continued statewide delivery of K–3 Reading Academies for all teachers and administrators, ensuring fidelity across English and Biliteracy pathways. Manage content updates, screener vendor coordination, and program monitoring to ensure alignment with the Science of Teaching Reading and Texas standards.
2. Development and Launch of Reading Academies Grades 4–8 and Reading Intervention Academies: Lead the development and implementation of Reading Academies for Grades 4–8 and Reading Intervention Academies. Oversee content creation with vendor partners, program monitoring, and cross-initiative collaboration to ensure alignment with the Science of Teaching Reading and Texas standards.
3. Integration with Educator Preparation Program: Develop and implement strategies to embed Reading Academies content into educator preparation programs. Partner with EPPs, certification leaders, and higher education faculty to create pathways that equip new teachers with foundational literacy knowledge before entering the classroom.
4. Cross-Agency Alignment and Program Improvement: Collaborate with agency leaders across multiple divisions to integrate Reading Academies with broader instructional initiatives. Ensure districts receive coherent and aligned support across all TEA programs.
5. Team Supervision and Stakeholder Engagement: Supervise and coach a team of 4 staff responsible for content, implementation, and partnership management. Build and maintain strong relationships with ESCs, authorized providers, cohort leaders, school districts, and community stakeholders to support high-quality program delivery and educator engagement.

Minimum Qualifications
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Degree field(s): Degree in education, literacy, mathematics, or related fields 
• Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in teaching, curriculum, and/or administrative roles relevant to literacy 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 
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification must be obtained within the first six (6) months of employment 
• Experience with managing a team and leading large projects, and grant programs is preferred
• Prior people management and budget management experience preferred
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic environment
• Highly organized; ability to manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Analytical with the ability to structure ambiguity into actionable, value-added plans
• Ability to engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment
• A track record of performance and successful implementation across multiple concurrent projects
• Fast learner who thrives in a high-performing environment
• 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.  

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.