3rd-5th Grade Literacy Specialist

JOB GOAL

The 3rd-5th 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 an ADE K-5 Literacy Endorsement
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Literature, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• A minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience with excellent evaluations
• Demonstrated experience in instructional coaching, mentoring, or teacher leadership roles preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• 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 curriculum implementation in accordance with Arizona Academic Standards and district priorities.
• Promotes and monitors the implementation of evidence-based reading and writing instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.
• Collaborates with K-2nd grade Literacy Specialists to create, monitor and implement the Move on When Reading State Literacy Plan.
• Guides the development, selection, and evaluation of high-quality instructional materials and literacy resources.
• Supports literacy-related budget planning and ensures strategic use of resources to improve student outcomes.
• Develops and refines instructional guidance documents to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment across schools.
• Collaborates with the Director of Teaching and Learning to implement district and site-based literacy improvement initiatives.
• Provides job-embedded professional development, coaching, and support to teachers, instructional staff, and administrators.
• Facilitates PLCs and district focus meetings centered on literacy achievement.
• Builds leadership capacity among teachers and site teams to sustain effective literacy practices.
• Supports curriculum adoption processes; specifically, oversee the implementation plan alongside teacher experts and literacy support team.
• 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 effective instructional decision-making.
• Collaborates with the Director of Assessment and Data to analyze district and state assessment data to identify trends, monitor progress, and guide instruction and intervention.
• Serves as an active member of Educational Services and site-based leadership teams.
• 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 technical advisor and instructional expert in literacy for teachers, principals, and district leaders.
• Maintains current knowledge of literacy research and best practices through ongoing professional learning.
• Evaluates and recommends instructional programs and materials; supports implementation with fidelity.
• Leads site-based and district professional development, including grade-level collaboration and training.
• Ensures compliance with Move On When Reading (MOWR) requirements, including communication, documentation, and progress monitoring.
• Designs, implements, and monitors Tier II, and Tier III literacy interventions aligned to student needs.
• Models high-quality Tier I instruction and supports teachers through coaching, demonstration…