[Hiring] Texas Rising Star Assessor II @UTHealth (University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)

Role Description

The Texas Rising Star Assessor II is responsible for reliably assessing and monitoring the quality of early learning programs using Texas Rising Star assessment tools and protocols. Responsibilities include:

• Collecting, interpreting, and entering observation and program data in alignment with guidelines, scoring manuals, and procedural requirements.
• Coordinating and conducting assessment activities.
• Supporting logistical planning and guiding assessment teams to ensure consistent, high-quality implementation of protocols.
• Adhering to all assessment procedures and supporting certification activities for early learning programs across Texas.
• Maintaining Texas Rising Star Assessor Certification through ongoing professional development, weekly coding calls, and quarterly reliability checks.

Texas Rising Star assessors complete an intensive 10-week onboarding and certification training designed to prepare them to conduct high-quality assessments with accuracy and independence. This training includes:

• Approximately 35 hours per week of self-paced online learning and participation in small group professional learning communities (PLC) during the first four weeks.
• Five additional hours per week dedicated to team meetings and administrative onboarding tasks.
• Focus on administrative processes, systems training, protocol application, and assessment shadowing experiences during the remaining six weeks.

The ideal candidate is an independent, self-directed learner with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They should:

• Have a solid understanding of early childhood development and experience in educational settings.
• Demonstrate excellent time and task management skills.
• Collaborate effectively within assessment teams and communicate clearly with stakeholders.
• Be comfortable working with data and confident using technology and online platforms.
• Be adaptable, dependable, and committed to maintaining the integrity and quality of the Texas Rising Star assessment process.

These positions are considered travel jobs, requiring:

• Frequent day travel and possible overnight travel up to twice per week.
• Reimbursement for transportation and lodging expenses, along with a per diem meal stipend for overnight travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education or related field required.
• Master's Degree in early childhood education or related field preferred.
• Doctorate Degree in early childhood education or related field preferred.
• 3 years of relevant experience required; may substitute required experience with equivalent years of education beyond the minimum education requirement.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of standard Office Software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.
• Texas Rising Star Assessor Training and Certification Program (ATCP) by Texas Workforce Commission required within 60 Days.
• Ability to handle biohazardous, chemical, and radiological materials, and follow required safety training and appropriate controls.
• Exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
• This position is security-sensitive pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094.
• Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical premiums for full-time employees.
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, vacation, and sick time - around 37-38 days per year).
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service).
• Retirement/pension plan.
• Free financial and legal counseling.
• Free mental health counseling services.
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs.
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care.