Public Education Reporter
The Texas Tribune is looking for a thoughtful, ambitious and audience-centric K-12 reporter to join its growing education team and cover one of the most important beats in the state.
K-12 education in Texas is at a transformational crossroads. Top elected officials are pushing for transformational changes to how we fund schools, schools aren’t preparing graduates for the workforce, educators are struggling with rising costs of living, and schools and school boards have become volatile political and cultural battlegrounds. The Tribune's public education reporter will be expected to closely work with the Tribune’s other education reporters to probe inequities in the system and the state’s responsibility in preparing Texas’ children for a fulfilling future.
The position will require versatility. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a clear vision of how statewide trends fit with the experiences of children, parents, teachers and their communities. The reporter will be expected to act urgently during breaking news, as well as produce insightful analysis and compelling enterprise stories. The reporter will need a good nose for news, an inclination for field work and a knack for source building. The ideal candidate will be driven to dive into data for trends and insights, experiment with new formats, and collaborate with our award-winning photo, data visuals, and audience teams to produce high-quality journalism that meets Texans’ informational needs.
The job will include keeping a vigilant eye on the evolving role of state entities like the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education. While there are big-city districts that naturally demand attention because of their size, the K-12 reporter must keep a close eye on what is happening in smaller and rural districts across the state. The job requires a keen eye on education issues during the biennial sessions of the Texas Legislature and in races for state and federal elected offices.
Responsibilities
Identifying and pitching breaking news, features and explainers
Writing and updating stories on the news of the day
Collaborating with other journalists across departments and formats for various assignments
Moderating panel discussions and representing the Tribune at Tribune events
Occasional travel and work on nights, weekends and holidays
We know there are great candidates who won’t check all of these boxes, and we know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
Qualifications
At least three years of journalism experience preferred
An ability to break down complicated education policy
Terrific news judgment
Ability to work under tight deadlines
A passion and talent for jumping on breaking news
Impeccable reporting, fact-checking and writing skills
Experience reporting with data and spreadsheets
A strong familiarity with journalistic ethics and libel law
A desire and ability to collaborate with other colleagues
Spanish language proficiency preferred
How to Apply
Submit your application by Feb. 29. We can't wait to hear from you.
This is a full-time, exempt position with the following Texas Tribune benefits:
downtown office with paid parking or commuting stipend
medical, vision and dental insurance
cell phone stipend
20 days of paid time off each year
16 weeks of paid family leave
401(k) matching
support for professional training and attending industry conferences
Pay will be determined based on the experience of the applicant. The minimum salary for this position is $58,000.
The Tribune’s newsroom is in Austin, but we are open to a reporter who is based elsewhere in the state. Any reporter hired for this position will be expected to travel for stories and spend time at the Capitol during legislative sessions.