K-3 Literacy Coach (Effective 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR)

This is a grant funded position that is not guaranteed to be continued for the 26/27SY.

SUMMARY

The K-3 Literacy Coach is responsible for assisting teachers in the implementation and effective delivery of scientifically based reading instruction. They are also responsible for providing ongoing professional development and coaching support. Coaches will provide appropriate services to schools for a cohesive sustained intensive and classroom focused approach that is rigorous engaging and relevant for students. Literacy coaches will provide a non-threatening open professional and collaborative work relationship with district/charter-level school personnel school-based literacy coaches principals and teachers. They will be required to use data to effectively identify the needs of assigned schools to prioritize schedule organize and provide technical assistance that builds educator capacity to provide effective literacy instruction so that students meet age and grade level literacy expectations by the end of 3rd grade and beyond.

The Arizona Department of Education supports the hiring of K-3 Literacy Coaches for the purpose of facilitating and assisting K-3 teachers to increase performance of their students early literacy skills measured on the state aligned reading assessment. The coaches will facilitate learning aligned to science of reading research and provide technical assistance to teachers that will improve implementation of aligned practices into daily literacy instruction and intervention. This work includes the integration of the Arizonas English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and Arizonas Early Learning Language and Literacy Standards locally determined K-3 curricula and intervention programs and use of data collected from the administration of formal and informal assessment tools.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Appropriate Arizona Teaching Certificate

Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Masters Degree in Education or related field with 3 years documented successful experience teaching reading

OR

Bachelors Degree in Education or related field with 5 years documented successful experience teaching reading with a minimum of 3 years of literacy experience at the State District/Charter or School Level

Availability to work flexible hours as needed to include evenings and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Successful experience facilitating adult learning and delivering professional development specific to literacy instruction (e.g. professional development feedback / surveys letters from participants etc.)

Experience mentoring coaching and providing feedback about instruction to classroom teachers

Experience leading others in a collaborative process

Experience analyzing and using student achievement data for instructional purposes

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WIL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING:

Knowledge:

Knowledge of evidence-based research in the areas of reading writing listening and speaking and language

Knowledge of the essential components of reading instruction

Knowledge of the science of reading and structured literacy

Knowledge of the Move On When Reading legislation

Knowledge of Arizonas English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and Language and Literacy (ECE) Standards

Knowledge of literacy assessment systems practices and types

Knowledge of effective strategies in working with adult learners

Knowledge of evidence-based practices in literacy

Knowledge and experience in literacy instruction literacy intervention and development of and/or implementation of instructional literacy resources

Knowledge of reading processes acquisition assessment and instruction

Knowledge of systematic explicit instructional process

Knowledge of instructional coaching approaches and strategies for teaching adult learners

Knowledge of scientific reading research and its application to effective classroom instruction structure and practices as well as intervention

Knowledge of multi-tiered system of supports model and data analysis and application

Skills:

Systematic explicit instructional delivery

Experience providing professional development and technical assistance directly to school and district/charter staff

Ability to effectively prioritize schedule manage and organize multiple daily tasks to achieve goals

Ability to administer and interpret reading assessments and use data to determine professional development needs and recommend changes to improve school-wide and/or classroom instructional practices

Ability to rapidly acquire and apply new skills and information

Ability to provide effective instructional feedback

Ability to identify problems and develop appropriate solutions

Use effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to engage in difficult and candid conversations with a variety of stakeholders.

Demonstrated leadership/managerial skills

Demonstrated team building skills

Demonstrated collaboration and facilitation skills

Proficient in MS Word MS Excel Outlook PowerPoint and other tools

Ability:

Motivating others to achieve

High degree of professionalism to ensure and protect the confidentiality of educators and students

Strong work ethic self-directed and reliable and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

High quality interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to and interact with adults exhibiting a range of abilities and dispositions

Persistent despite obstacles

Ability to orchestrate change

Valuing lifelong learning

Belief that a coach can make a difference despite the nature of the challenges

Desire to grow professionally

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE

Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles) or proof of MMR immunization.

Willing to obtain a K-8 or K-12 Reading Endorsement

COMMENTS