Job Description
Job ID 107839
Location Austin
Other Recruiting Location Austin;Texas
Number of Openings 1
State Job Code(s) 1355
Close Date Open Until Filled
Company Texas Education Agency
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
Salary Admin Plan(s) B
Salary Admin Grade(s) 22
Salary Range $4801.17 - 6163.04 per Month
Agency Information
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.
Core Values
Job Description
Position Overview
At the Texas Education Agency's Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core workstreams Field Support and Compliance & Investigations focus on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools. By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education.
On behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education, the Educator Investigations Division (EID) plays a critical role in safeguarding students in Texas by addressing allegations of misconduct involving educators and school employees. The division is structured into two primary units: Intake and Investigations.
The Intake Unit serves as the initial review and decision-making engine for the division, where complex information is assessed, risks are evaluated, and critical decisions are made. The team reviews misconduct reports, conducts preliminary reviews, tracks criminal matters, and collaborates with the Office of the Inspector General to facilitate the temporary suspension and inclusion process. This unit makes recommendations for formal investigations in strict accordance with SBEC and agency policy, always prioritizing student safety.
The Investigations Unit conducts formal investigations into reports of alleged misconduct by SBEC-certified educators and non-certified school employees. This unit ensures that due process is provided in all cases, maintaining a strong commitment to protecting students and upholding the integrity of the educational environment.
Investigators play a critical role in supporting the missions of the OG, TEA, and SBEC. Depending on agency needs, Investigators will be assigned to either the Intake or Investigations unit, with final placement determined by the hiring manager.
Work may be done remotely or onsite, depending on each case. In this role, you will conduct advanced investigations with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact on student safety and educator accountability across Texas.
Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.
Please note that a resume, 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. Investigations: leads preliminary reviews and conducts complex investigations into reports and complaints involving educator misconduct, including child abuse, solicitation, educator misconduct, ethical violations, and other compliance concerns under the authority of SBEC or the Commissioner of Education; and collects and evaluates evidence, interviews witnesses, and collaborates with internal and external partners to develop findings in alignment with investigative plans, division protocols, and established timelines; conducts investigations virtually or onsite, depending on the nature of the case
2. Analysis and Recommendation: critically analyzes information from initial complaints and investigative findings to assess the relevance and impact of facts related to alleged misconduct; applies state, federal, and agency policies to identify risk factors, flag potential violations, and make informed recommendations for case resolution; and utilizes appropriate analytical techniques and tools to support sound decision-making
3. Documentation, Report Writing, and Presentations: maintains thorough and accurate documentation of investigative activities, ensuring all milestones and evidence are clearly recorded; prepares professional, well-organized reports, case briefings, and referrals that clearly communicate findings and provide necessary context for internal and external stakeholders; and adheres to division standards for documentation and presentation to ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism
4. Testimony and Litigation Support: provides testimony and presents evidence in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings to support enforcement and compliance actions; and develops clear and compelling exhibits and offers litigation support to legal teams, as needed, ensuring alignment with case strategy and evidentiary standards
5. Investigative Operations: supports division operations by contributing to special projects; collaborates with colleagues, legal staff, and external agencies to enhance investigative outcomes, promote accountability, and uphold high standards in Texas public education
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in conducting background checks, reviewing allegations of misconduct, or conducting investigations
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis
Other Qualifications
New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
Benefits
TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Benefits include:
To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .
Military/Veteran Information
Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:
Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.
For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.
To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.
Additional Information
TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.
TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
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 Careers at TEA page .
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.
How to Apply
To apply for a position in the Candidate Gateway:
Location Austin
Other Recruiting Location Austin;Texas
Number of Openings 1
State Job Code(s) 1355
Close Date Open Until Filled
Company Texas Education Agency
Full/Part Time Full-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
Salary Admin Plan(s) B
Salary Admin Grade(s) 22
Salary Range $4801.17 - 6163.04 per Month
Agency Information
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.
Core Values
- We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
- We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
- We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
- We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.
Job Description
Position Overview
At the Texas Education Agency's Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core workstreams Field Support and Compliance & Investigations focus on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools. By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education.
On behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education, the Educator Investigations Division (EID) plays a critical role in safeguarding students in Texas by addressing allegations of misconduct involving educators and school employees. The division is structured into two primary units: Intake and Investigations.
The Intake Unit serves as the initial review and decision-making engine for the division, where complex information is assessed, risks are evaluated, and critical decisions are made. The team reviews misconduct reports, conducts preliminary reviews, tracks criminal matters, and collaborates with the Office of the Inspector General to facilitate the temporary suspension and inclusion process. This unit makes recommendations for formal investigations in strict accordance with SBEC and agency policy, always prioritizing student safety.
The Investigations Unit conducts formal investigations into reports of alleged misconduct by SBEC-certified educators and non-certified school employees. This unit ensures that due process is provided in all cases, maintaining a strong commitment to protecting students and upholding the integrity of the educational environment.
Investigators play a critical role in supporting the missions of the OG, TEA, and SBEC. Depending on agency needs, Investigators will be assigned to either the Intake or Investigations unit, with final placement determined by the hiring manager.
Work may be done remotely or onsite, depending on each case. In this role, you will conduct advanced investigations with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact on student safety and educator accountability across Texas.
Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.
Please note that a resume, 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. Investigations: leads preliminary reviews and conducts complex investigations into reports and complaints involving educator misconduct, including child abuse, solicitation, educator misconduct, ethical violations, and other compliance concerns under the authority of SBEC or the Commissioner of Education; and collects and evaluates evidence, interviews witnesses, and collaborates with internal and external partners to develop findings in alignment with investigative plans, division protocols, and established timelines; conducts investigations virtually or onsite, depending on the nature of the case
2. Analysis and Recommendation: critically analyzes information from initial complaints and investigative findings to assess the relevance and impact of facts related to alleged misconduct; applies state, federal, and agency policies to identify risk factors, flag potential violations, and make informed recommendations for case resolution; and utilizes appropriate analytical techniques and tools to support sound decision-making
3. Documentation, Report Writing, and Presentations: maintains thorough and accurate documentation of investigative activities, ensuring all milestones and evidence are clearly recorded; prepares professional, well-organized reports, case briefings, and referrals that clearly communicate findings and provide necessary context for internal and external stakeholders; and adheres to division standards for documentation and presentation to ensure clarity, consistency, and professionalism
4. Testimony and Litigation Support: provides testimony and presents evidence in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings to support enforcement and compliance actions; and develops clear and compelling exhibits and offers litigation support to legal teams, as needed, ensuring alignment with case strategy and evidentiary standards
5. Investigative Operations: supports division operations by contributing to special projects; collaborates with colleagues, legal staff, and external agencies to enhance investigative outcomes, promote accountability, and uphold high standards in Texas public education
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in conducting background checks, reviewing allegations of misconduct, or conducting investigations
Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis
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.
- Possess working knowledge of, and the ability to explain, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to child abuse and solicitation, misconduct, fraud, waste, and abuse, criminal violations, and confidentiality, including the Texas Penal Code, Texas Education Code, Texas Family Code, and Texas Administrative Code.
- Must pass a DPS Criminal Background Check to access criminal history.
- Possess experience conducting investigations and complaint reviews according to defined procedures and time standards.
- Demonstrate the ability to adapt to and effectively engage with diverse individuals and stakeholders.
- Demonstrate strong problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and complete multiple competing projects simultaneously.
- Show a desire to self-reflect, give and receive feedback, and continuously improve.
- Demonstrate a willingness to participate in the agency¿s culture of continuous improvement and espouse its core values.
- Experience reviewing allegations of abuse, solicitation, or other violations impacting students is preferred.
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certifications is preferred.
New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.
The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.
Benefits
TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.
Benefits include:
- Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
- Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
- Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
- Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
- Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .
Military/Veteran Information
Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:
- Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
- Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.
Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.
For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.
To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.
Additional Information
TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.
TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
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 Careers at TEA page .
Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.
How to Apply
To apply for a position in the Candidate Gateway:
- Select the job posting and click "Apply"
- Review and accept the Privacy Agreement by selecting "Accept"
- If you are a first-time user, select "New User" and create an account using a personal email address.
- Once your account is created, complete and submit the online application.
About Texas Education Agency
The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education in the state of Texas. It helps deliver education to more than 5 million students.
The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems
