Literacy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3rd-5th Grade Literacy Specialist

JOB GOAL 

The3rd-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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

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 lessons, and feedback cycles.
• Facilitates data-informed collaboration focused on student progress and proficiency, instructional planning, and instructional effectiveness.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL 

• 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 opportunities, engaging with professional literature, and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen research-based practices in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate in oral and written form.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• May require stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Some positions may require climbing, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than the sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
REPORTS TO: Director of Teaching and Learning
LOCATION: Educational Services
SUPERVISES: None
CALENDAR: Teacher Work Calendar
JOB CATEGORY: Certified Non-Admin, FLSA Exempt 
SALARY RANGE: Certified Step Salary Schedule, as approved by the Governing Board
BENEFITS: As approved by the Governing Board
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: Until Filled