Structured Literacy Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

READING SPECIALIST
I. General Description: 
The Reading Specialist works directly with students daily to provide structured, research-based reading intervention and progress monitoring. In
addition, the Reading Specialist supports teachers in implementing scientifically based reading instruction and provides ongoing coaching and professional development. This role delivers classroom-focused, data-driven support that builds educator capacity and improves student reading outcomes. The Reading Specialist collaborates with district and school staff in a professional and supportive manner, uses data to identify needs and prioritize support, and facilitates learning aligned to the science of reading. This includes supporting implementation of Arizona ELA Standards, Arizona Early Learning Language and Reading Standards, local curricula, intervention programs, and assessment practices to ensure students meet grade-level reading expectations by the end of 3rd grade and beyond.
II. Qualifications:
 

1. Valid Arizona Elementary, Special Education, or Secondary Teaching Certificate
 

a. Must meet all Arizona Department of Education certification requirements.
b. Meets Criteria of Appropriately Certified
c. Minimum of a Provisional SEI, ESL or Bilingual Endorsement
 

2. Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field with a minimum of five (5) years of successful experience teaching reading, including at least three (3) years of literacy experience at the state, district/charter, or school level. (minimum requirement)
3. Five (5) years successful classroom teaching experience
4. Reading Specialist Endorsement (minimum requirement)
5. Knowledge of Arizona English Language Arts (ELA) Standards, Early Learning. Language and Literacy Standards, Move On When Reading legislation, literacy assessment systems, and multi tiered systems of support (MTSS).
6. Must be able to pass a background check upon employment
7. Must possess a valid IVP Fingerprint clearance card
8. Ability to analyze assessment data and translate findings into instructional action
9. Strong collaboration and coaching skills
10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
11. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional discretion
12. Literacy K-5 Endorsement (preferred)
13. Masters Degree (preferred)
14. Deep understanding of structured literacy and the science of reading (preferred)
 

Duties and Responsibilities:
 

1. Ability and willingness to work directly with students daily to provide structured, research-based reading intervention and progress monitoring.
2. Delivers targeted, research-based reading instruction and intervention directly to students to improve literacy outcomes.
3. Monitor student progress using district-approved assessments and adjust interventions accordingly.
4. Provide expertise and support to teachers in scientifically based reading research and its implications for classroom instruction as needed.
5. Assist the school leadership team and teachers in addressing grade specific curriculum by developing an effective school-wide literacy plan and providing strategies for monitoring the plan's implementation.
6. Conference with the school leadership team and teachers to create specific goals and plans for improving practice.
7. Meet regularly with principals, master teachers, and teachers to review data and make recommendations for adjustments in instructional practices.
8. Provide ongoing support and modeling to teachers in the effective use of scientifically based reading instruction and a valid and reliable assessment system.
9. Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan differentiated literacy instruction aligned to district curriculum.
10. Support implementation of evidence-based literacy practices in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
11. Provide direct, research-based reading intervention to students identified through MTSS processes (Tier II and Tier III).
12. Assist in developing and implementing reading improvement plans for struggling learners.
13. Participate in MTSS team meetings to review student data and determine intervention needs.
14. Analyze universal screening and progress monitoring data to guide instructional decisions.
15. Support staff in interpreting assessment data and identifying instructional next steps.
16. Maintain an organized system for documenting student data.
17. Maintain accurate records of intervention services and student growth.
18. Support new teachers in implementing district literacy curriculum and best practices.
19. Assist with curriculum implementation and continuous improvement efforts.
20. Ensure interventions align with district, state, and federal guidelines.
21. Maintain documentation consistent with district expectations and FERPA requirements.
22. Support special education and English learner teams as appropriate.
23. Communicate with families regarding student progress in reading intervention.
24. Provide strategies and resources for families to support literacy at home.
25. Participate in professional development at the school and district level.
26. Perform such other tasks as may be assigned.
 

EVALUATION: Performance for this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provision of Board Policy GCO - Evaluation of Professional Staff Members.
Reports to: Building Administrator
FLSA Status: Exempt Compensation Range: Per Year, 2026/2027
Status: Certified Teacher - Salary Schedule and District Benefits Package and Reading Specialist Endorsement Stipend: $2,000
Terms of Employment: 1.0 FTE, Full Time; Teacher Work Calendar
Application Requirements: All applicants must complete an online application, which requires 3 professional letters of recommendation, 3 professional references, a valid AZ Teaching Certificate, a valid Fingerprint Clearance card, Transcripts, Cover Letter, and Resume. Primary Location: Various Locations