Foundational Literacy Coach (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)

Tucson Unified School District (TUSD1.org); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucson Unified School District seeks a K-3 Literacy Coach to support teachers in scientifically based reading instruction, focusing on core literacy, data-driven planning, and coaching across Oyama Elementary School - La Cholla & 36th Area, Van Buskirk Elementary School - Park & Ajo Area, and Lynn/Urquides Elementary School - Ajo & Mission Area.

The position requires Arizona Reading Endorsement or K-5 Literacy Endorsement, + Master’s in Education, and several years of literacy experience; travel

Qualifications

• Arizona Teaching Certificate with Reading Endorsement or K-5 Literacy Endorsement.
• Master’s Degree in Education or related field with three years of successful reading teaching.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field with five years of successful reading teaching.
• Three years of literacy experience at State/District/School level.
• Proof of immunization or immunity to measles and rubella; sometimes combined MMR.
• Ability to obtain K-8 or K-12 Reading Endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing scientifically based reading instruction focusing on core literacy.
• Use data to identify school needs, prioritize and schedule technical literacy support.
• Provide professional development and coaching to teachers and school personnel.
• Collaborate with district/charter staff, school literacy coaches, principals, and teachers.

Skills

Reading instruction

Data analysis

Adult learning

Professional development

Literacy coaching

Move On When Reading

Education

Master's Degree in Education

Reading Endorsement or K-5 Literacy Endorsement

Bachelor's Degree in Education

Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVP)

Immunization proof (MMR) before start

Job description

Now Hiring with Higher Pay! Thanks to community support, our posted rates now include increases funded through a community‑approved override guaranteed through June 2031.

Summary

The K-3 Literacy Coach is responsible for assisting teachers in the implementation and effective delivery of scientifically based reading instruction with a focus on Tier 1/Core. 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 student’s 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 Arizona's English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and Arizona’s 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 WITH Reading Endorsement or K-5 Literacy Endorsement
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Master’s Degree in Education or related field with three (3) years documented successful experience teaching reading OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field with five (5) years documented successful experience teaching reading
• Three (3) years of literacy experience at the State, District/Charter, or School Level

Requirements Prior To Start Date

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

Additional Requirements After Hire

• Ability to obtain a K-8 or K-12 Reading Endorsement

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
• Knowledge of evidence-based research in the areas of reading, writing, listening, 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 Arizona's 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
• Ability to travel occasionally

COMMENTS

Effective: 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

Location

Location:
Oyama Elementary School - La Cholla & 36th Area
Van Buskirk Elementary School - Park & Ajo Area
Lynn/Urquides Elementary School - Ajo & Mission Area

FTE : 1.0 - 7.5 hours per day

Work Calendar: 9.5 month

Positions less than 30 hours per week are not eligible for district benefits.

Salary will be prorated if the start date is after the first day of the work calendar for the position.

Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language.

For more information on salary schedule, please reference the Employee Agreements Webpage.

Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.