Foundational Literacy Coach - (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)

Sylvania; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stipend of $5,000

Job summary

THE K-3 Literacy Coach will assist teachers with scientifically based reading instruction, focusing on Tier 1/Core literacy. They will use data to identify school needs and provide targeted technical assistance to build educator capacity, ensuring students meet literacy goals by the end of 3rd grade and beyond.

Requirements include an Arizona Teaching Certificate with Reading Endorsement or K-5 Literacy Endorsement, IVP fingerprint clearance, and a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree with relevant

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in implementing scientifically based reading instruction focused on Tier 1/Core.
• Provide services to schools for a cohesive, sustained and intensive literacy approach.
• Use data to identify needs and prioritize and plan technical assistance to build educator capacity.
• Support teachers to meet age/grade literacy expectations by end of 3rd grade and beyond.

Education

Arizona Teaching Certificate

Reading Endorsement

K-5 Literacy Endorsement

Master’s Degree in Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Education

3 years literacy experience

5 years literacy experience (Bachelor’s path)

Adult learning facilitation

Collaboration with educators

Job description

GRANT FUNDED POSITION, NO GUARANTEE OF RENEWAL AFTER 26/27 SCHOOL YEAR

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

• 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

$5000.00 Stipend to be paid out in May.

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.

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.