Texas Education Reporter

Job DescriptionTexas Education ReporterThe Houston Chronicle is seeking a sharp, well-sourced reporter based in Austin to coverstatewide education — with a particular focus on how Texas schools are changing, who isdriving those changes and whether students and families are being well served.This reporter will explain how the state funds and regulates schools, sets academic standardsand wields power to influence local education systems. A central focus of the beat will be thestate’s massive private school voucher rollout, including how the program is implemented, whobenefits, what the taxpayer dollars are funding and what it means for traditional public schools,charter schools and families navigating the system.The reporter will also cover political campaigns, legislative sessions and statewide policydebates through the lens of education, examining how lawmakers and state officials are shapingthe future of schools in Texas.This role will work collaboratively with local education reporters in Houston, Austin and SanAntonio to connect statewide policy decisions to deliver accountability journalism and practical,reader-first coverage.Texas is home to some of the country’s biggest and most consequential education fights. Theideal candidate is deeply curious about policy and power, understands how to translate complexsystems into compelling journalism, and is energized by connecting statewide decisions to real-world impact.Key responsibilities:Cover the Texas Legislature, Texas Education Agency and other state entities shapingeducation policy and oversightLead coverage of Texas’ voucher program, including implementation, funding,accountability, political influence and impact on public schools and familiesCover campaigns, legislative sessions and statewide political debates through the lensof education policy and public schoolsReport on how state funding formulas, mandates and policy decisions affect districts,teacher pay, staffing, curriculum and student experiences across TexasExamine how the state uses accountability systems, interventions and oversight powersto influence local district governance and autonomyTrack the political, financial and ideological forces shaping education policy in Texas andthe state’s growing influence on national education debatesProduce a mix of breaking news, accountability reporting, enterprise and explanatoryjournalismCollaborate closely with local education reporters in Houston, Austin and San Antonio toidentify statewide trends and local impactBuild sourcing across urban, suburban and rural communities, including educators,parents, students, policymakers, advocates and researchersUse data, public records and budget documents to identify trends, inequities and areasof impactCollaborate with visuals, audience, data and investigative teams to maximize reach andimpactIdentify opportunities for audience growth and subscriber value through distinctivestatewide education coverageWe’re looking for someone who:Has 3+ years of reporting experience, with a strong preference for education, statehouseor accountability reportingIs based in Austin or willing to relocate, with a strong understanding of Texas politics andpolicyIs driven to break news and develop original reporting on a competitive, high-impact beatHas a strong track record of building sources and delivering scoopsUnderstands how policy decisions translate into real-world consequences for families,schools and communitiesWrites with clarity and authority, helping readers make sense of complex educationsystems and high-stakes policy changesValues both accountability journalism and utility reporting, with a strong instinct for whatreaders need to knowSuccess is measured byBreaking news and delivering exclusive reporting on statewide education policy and thevoucher rolloutProducing journalism that reveals whether education leaders and institutions aredelivering for Texas students and familiesCreating accountability and utility coverage that drives engagement, loyalty andsubscriber valueAbout the Houston Chronicle:The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com , along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands. Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston. All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.About Hearst Newspapers:With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits. 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