6th-8th Grade Literacy Specialist

JOB GOAL

The 6th-8th Grade Literacy Specialist is responsible for advancing high-quality Tier I instruction in reading and writing through the implementation of evidence-based practices grounded in the Science of Reading. This role provides leadership, coaching, and professional learning to strengthen educators' content knowledge and instructional practices in literacy. The Literacy Specialist supports the effective use of assessment data to inform instruction, monitor student progress, and ensure equitable outcomes for all learners.

By fostering collaborative partnerships and building teacher capacity, the Literacy Specialist promotes consistent, rigorous, and engaging language arts instruction that enables all students to achieve proficiency in reading and writing.

• Valid Arizona Standard Elementary or Secondary Education Certification and a Literacy Endorsement
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Literature, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• A minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience in Middle School Language Arts with excellent evaluations
• Demonstrates proficiency in teaching, evidenced by principal's evaluations and student achievement
• Views self as a learner and seeks professional challenges and demonstrates initiative
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable

Responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Leads the design, alignment, and continuous improvement of literacy instruction in grades 6-8 in accordance with Arizona Academic Standards and district priorities.
• Promotes and monitors the implementation of evidence-based reading and writing practices grounded in the Science of Reading for adolescent learners.
• Ensures vertical alignment of literacy practices through collaboration with elementary and district literacy teams.
• Collaborates with all middle school content-area teachers to integrate literacy strategies across disciplines, maximizing instructional time through an interdisciplinary approach.
• Guides the development, selection, and evaluation of high-quality, content-rich instructional materials that support disciplinary literacy.
• Supports literacy-related budget planning and the strategic allocation of resources to improve student outcomes.
• Develops and refines instructional frameworks and guidance documents to ensure coherence across classrooms and content areas.
• Collaborates with the Director of Teaching and Learning to implement district and site-based literacy initiatives.
• Provides job-embedded professional development, coaching, and support to teachers, instructional staff, and administrators.
• Facilitates PLCs and interdisciplinary team meetings focused on literacy achievement and instructional effectiveness.
• Builds leadership capacity among teachers and site teams to sustain effective literacy practices school wide.
• Supports curriculum adoption processes, including planning, training, and monitoring for fidelity of implementation.
• Collaborates across departments (e.g., Special Education, SEI, Assessment) to ensure cohesive literacy practices within an MTSS framework.
• Partners with Assessment and Data teams to strengthen data literacy and promote informed instructional decision-making.
• Analyzes district and state assessment data to identify trends, monitor progress, and guide instruction and interventions.
• Serves as an active member of site-based leadership teams and the Educational Services department.
• Prepares and presents reports on literacy initiatives, student achievement, and program effectiveness.
• Participates in program evaluation to assess impact and inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Serves as a literacy expert and instructional leader for teachers, administrators, and district leaders.
• Maintains current knowledge of adolescent literacy research and best practices through ongoing professional learning.
• Evaluates and recommends instructional programs and resources; supports implementation with fidelity.
• Models high-quality Tier I instruction and supports teachers through coaching cycles, demonstration lessons, and feedback.
• Designs, implements, and monitors Tier II and Tier III literacy interventions aligned to student needs.
• Facilitates data-informed collaboration focused on student progress, proficiency, and instructional planning.
• Promotes a culture of literacy across the school by supporting consistent, school wide instructional expectations and practices.

• Knowledge of state and national standards and district-adopted curriculum and instructional materials.
• Knowledge of and works effectively in a professional learning community.
• Knowledge of a wide range of assessments and use of data information systems.
• Demonstrates professional development skills and works effectively with adults.
• Demonstrates ability in working with diverse populations (ELL, Special Education, etc.).
• Demonstrates continued professional growth by participating in professional learning…