Literacy Specialist - 2026-2027

Tempe School District No.3•Tempe, AZ

22h

About The Position

About You: You are relentless in your pursuit of excellence, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to achieving exceptional results. Your attention to detail is unmatched, and you approach every task with precision and care. You are hyper-focused on driving positive student outcomes, ensuring that every decision and action supports their success. Highly organized and efficient while maintaining clarity and purpose. Your dedication, discipline, and passion for making a difference set you apart as an invaluable contributor to our mission. About Us: Established in 1874, we have grown to 23 schools, serving over 11,000 students with over 50+ languages spoken by our students. Our organization is centered around our values and beliefs that our students are confident self-advocates with interpersonal and critical thinking skills who productively and innovatively make a positive impact in their current and future communities. We are proud of the family-like culture that permeates our system. Our system boasts award winning faculty and principals, high achieving students, signature programs and unparalleled parental and community support. We take our mission and vision seriously and we are committed to inspiring excellence in every child and every adult so that our students are prepared to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow. At TD3, you have an opportunity to change the world and life trajectory of more than 11,000 students. About the Role: Why the role exists: 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.

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.
Will 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