Literacy Specialist - 2026-2027

Tempe School District No.3•Tempe, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Literacy Specialist collaborates with district leadership to improve literacy outcomes for students. This role involves analyzing student data for improved outcomes. The teacher will deliver targeted, small-group literacy lessons to support students' reading and writing skills. The specialist will plan and deliver targeted small-group literacy lessons tailored to students’ needs, focusing on areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. They will use diagnostic assessments to identify students’ reading levels and instructional needs, track and monitor student progress, using data to adjust instruction and interventions, and implement evidence-based instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading. The specialist will provide a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment that fosters literacy development and work with students across the school to support literacy development. Additionally, the role involves communicating regularly with parents, teachers, and administrators about student progress and literacy initiatives, promoting a culture of literacy within the school, and encouraging the integration of reading and writing across all subject areas. The specialist will stay current on research, trends, and best practices in the science of reading, participate in professional learning communities and district-wide initiatives to enhance outcomes for all students, and reflect on personal practice and seek opportunities for professional growth in the science of reading. The role also performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of a school.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education is required
State certification in Reading or Literacy Specialist is required
Minimum of 3 years of classroom teaching experience, with a strong emphasis on literacy instruction.
Experience delivering small-group or individualized reading intervention to a variety of ages.
Knowledge of state and national literacy standards (e.g. AZ State Standards and Science of Reading).
Deep understanding of BLUEPRINT, literacy development, reading pedagogy, and evidence-based instructional practices (e.g. phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension strategies).
Strong data analysis skills for assessing student progress and identifying instructional needs.
Effective communication and collaboration skills to build relationships with teachers, students, and administrators.
Familiarity with differentiated instruction, intervention strategies, and responsive teaching practices including flexible grouping using the instructional feedback loop
Proficiency in using technology and digital tools to support teaching and learning.
Commitment to equity and inclusion in literacy education.
Passion for fostering literacy skills in students.
Reflective and growth-oriented mindset with a commitment to professional development.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Be unwavering in your commitment to ensuring all students can learn to read on grade level.
Collaborate successfully with district personnel while supporting district initiatives.
Takes initiative and is solutions-oriented, always seeking out what is best for students.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, or a related area is preferred

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver targeted small-group literacy lessons tailored to students’ needs, focusing on areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Use diagnostic assessments to identify students’ reading levels and instructional needs.
Track and monitor student progress, using data to adjust instruction and interventions.
Implement evidence-based instructional practices aligned with the Science of Reading.
Provide a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment that fosters literacy development.
Work with students across the school to support literacy development.
Communicate regularly with parents, teachers, and administrators about student progress and literacy initiatives.
Promote a culture of literacy within the school, encouraging the integration of reading and writing across all subject areas.
Stay current on research, trends, and best practices in the science of reading.
Participate in professional learning communities and district-wide initiatives to enhance outcomes for all students.
Reflect on personal practice and seek opportunities for professional growth in the science of reading.
Performs other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of a school.