Regional Education Reporter
Hearst · Houston
Role Overview
The Houston Chronicle is seeking an ambitious Education Reporter to cover one of the country’s largest and most dynamic public education systems. This reporter will examine the policies, demographic shifts and political forces reshaping schools across the Houston region, helping audiences understand not only what is changing, but what those changes mean for students, families and educators.
Moving beyond a traditional district beat, this reporter will focus on the suburban districts where many of the Houston region’s biggest education stories are unfolding. The reporter will identify emerging trends across districts, produce accountability journalism that serves families and connect local developments to the broader forces reshaping public education in Texas.
What You’ll Do
- Lead education coverage across Greater Houston, focusing on the systems, policies and regional trends shaping public education rather than a traditional district-by-district beat.
- Develop ambitious reporting from major districts including Aldine, Cypress-Fairbanks, Katy and Spring ISDs, using those communities to illuminate broader regional and statewide issues.
- Track enrollment trends, demographic shifts and student outcomes, with particular attention to immigrant students, multilingual learners, and students receiving special education services.
- Break news on major developments affecting schools across the region while producing scoops that explain why decisions matter to students, families and taxpayers.
- Produce a mix of breaking news, scoops and utility content that breaks down complex topics.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has at least 3 years of relevant journalism experience covering education, government, public policy or another complex accountability beat.
- Is an aggressive, source-driven reporter who consistently breaks news and develops deep relationships across communities and institutions.
- Is comfortable interpreting data, budgets, legislation and public records and translating complex issues into accessible journalism.
- Understands how education intersects with immigration, economics, workforce development, housing and demographic change.
- Has strong news judgment and can move confidently between fast-paced breaking news and longer-term reporting.
- Thrives in a collaborative newsroom and enjoys working across teams to produce ambitious journalism.
- Brings curiosity, creativity and a strong digital mindset to storytelling, using a range of formats to reach and engage audiences.
- Is fluent in Spanish or has professional working proficiency (strongly preferred), with the ability to develop sources and conduct reporting in Spanish.
Additional Information
- Sponsorship: This position does not provide immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship.
- Accommodations: We are committed to an accessible application process. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact hnpemployment@hearst.com. This email address is for accommodation requests only.
Benefits
We support our employees through personal and professional development and promote physical, financial and emotional wellbeing for employees and their families. Our benefits include:
- Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental and vision coverage to help keep you and your family healthy.
- Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with a matching program in most markets.
- Generous Paid Time Off: Ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
- Paid Parental Leave: Paid leave to support growing families and new parents.
- Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
- Emotional Wellbeing: Mental wellness benefits to support your emotional wellbeing.
- LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for individual needs.
- Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Support throughout different stages of your health and family journey.
- Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: Support to help keep your pets happy and healthy.
- And more: Learn more about additional benefits and details here.