NAEP 2026 – Traveling Assessment Coordinator

Westat is seeking motivated individuals who are committed to excellence and have experience  working with primary and secondary school students to work as Traveling Assessment Coordinators for the 2026 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) study. NAEP stands as the nation's most comprehensive, ongoing measure of student knowledge and skills, providing nationally representative insights into what U.S. students know and can achieve across a range of subject areas.  

The primary role of the NAEP 2026 Traveling Assessment Coordinator (AC) is to oversee assessment teams administering digitally based assessments for grades 4, 8, and 12 in public and private schools. This position requires extensive travel across the United States, requiring flexibility to work in various locations as needed, often for 2-week intervals, with the option to return home between trips. A strong technical aptitude is essential, including the ability to troubleshoot and configure equipment, as Traveling ACs will be responsible for conducting assessments using NAEP-provided Chromebooks on a secure private network.

Success in this role also demands strong organizational and interpersonal skills, combined with the ability to adapt to varying environments. 

Travel ACs must be willing to travel for up to two consecutive weeks to locations designated by project management, which could include, but are not limited to SD, ND, WV, MN, MT, WI, IA, NE, KY, AK, HI, OR, ME, and VT. 

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Basic Qualifications 
Candidates must:

• Be 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) with the ability to enter binding confidentiality agreements to protect project information.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be willing to travel nationwide during the field period, with the option to return home every 2 weeks. 
• Successfully complete online training between January 5th and January 23rd, 2026*, consisting of
  • self-paced modules January 5–12, 2026,
  • live virtual meeting sessions and exercises during scheduled business hours, January 13–14, 2026 (attendance required), and
  • an approximately two-hour virtual meeting with AAs (to be scheduled regionally).

*Training dates may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements 

• Be available to work for the specified field period of January 5 to March 27, 2026.
• Be available to work up to 40 hours per week, when work is available.
• Be responsible for the transportation of technical equipment to and from schools.
  • This will include one field staff device (tablet) and two monitoring devices (tablets), two routers, and three rolling cases containing eight to nine Chromebooks each (each case weighing up to 50 pounds). 
• Be able to meet the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Lift cases of up to 50 lbs. of project equipment/materials in and out of a vehicle and onto a rolling cart for transport to and from the testing location.
  • Push and pull a rolling cart of project equipment/materials across parking lots and school buildings. You must be able to lift each 50-pound case and place it on the cart, as well as lift it off the cart.
  • Climb flights of stairs while carrying project equipment/materials. 
  • Bend down to set up computers and tablets, plug and unplug devices to outlets, and lay gaffers' tape over floor cords for safety.
  • Move around a testing location in order to monitor assessment activities and respond to student questions.
  • Stand for up to 2 hours at a time while monitoring assessments. 
• Have regular and reliable access to telephone service with a long-distance calling feature, either landline or cellular.
• Have regular and reliable access to a secure, high-speed internet connection to complete training modules over several consecutive hours, including the ability to access audio files either through speakers or a headset. 
• Have consistent access to a fully insured, reliable vehicle.
• Have a current and valid driver's license that is not under suspension.

Preferred Criteria

• Have experience working with children or in a school environment.
• Have the ability to adapt quickly to new software systems and technologies with training.
• Have the technical ability to set up equipment and troubleshoot technical issues by following step-by-step procedures.
• Have experience using Microsoft Excel for data tracking and reporting.
• Have experience with email management and calendar scheduling.
• Have experience using video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams).
• Be able to demonstrate patience and professionalism in addressing issues within a school setting. 
• Possess strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Have experience in coaching, mentoring, and supervising others.
• Have the capability to work independently and collaboratively in team settings, including schools with students across multiple grade levels.
• Be able to communicate effectively, particularly with school staff regarding technical requirements and assessment logistics.
• Live within 150 miles of a large hub airport.
• Experience traveling for professional purposes.

Residents of New York City, NY (including the five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx) must apply to the location-specific requisition to be considered. Applicants that do not reside in these locations must apply to the Nationwide posting to be considered.
 
An additional $1 per hour travel supplement will be added to any travel status hours when approved overnight travel is conducted. Mileage is reimbursed at the current government rate.

This is a part-time, variable-hour, non-exempt position. This position is not initially eligible for health insurance or a health savings account (HSA). To be eligible for health insurance and an HSA, you must work 1560 hours from September through September of the following year, with coverage beginning January 1 of the year after eligibility is satisfied.   

All field positions accrue sick leave (based on hours worked) and are eligible to participate in the 401(k) program (employer matching is dependent on hours worked and disbursement is subject to program rules). 

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 7 days, and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be eligible for consideration for reassignment on other Westat field data collection projects if they become available.

Working on this study can be a fascinating, rewarding experience. If you are a reliable self-starter, this position may be right for you. 

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.