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Foundational Literacy Coach-Gary Knox Elementary- 2026-27 School Year

Young World Physical Education, Yuma, AZ, United States


Foundational Literacy Coach – Gary Knox Elementary – 2026‑27 School Year
Crane Elementary School District 13 – Gary A Knox Elementary, Yuma, Arizona

Job Details
Job ID:

5651767

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Apr 16, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date:

Immediately

Job Summary
The Arizona Department of Education supports the hiring of Foundational Literacy Coaches for the purpose of facilitating and assisting Pk‑3 teachers to increase performance of their students’ early literacy skills, measured on the state reading assessment and approved literacy screener. The coaches will facilitate learning aligned to the 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 Arizona's English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and Arizona’s Early Learning Language and Literacy Standards, locally determined literacy curricula and intervention programs, and use of data collected from the administration of formal and informal assessment tools.

The Foundational 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 their assigned school 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, other school-based coaches, principals, and teachers. They will be required to use data to effectively identify the needs of the assigned school 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.

Essential Functions

Provide information and training to teachers in a variety of settings (e.g., whole group staff development, grade level meetings, one‑on‑one)

Model and co‑teach instructional strategies and techniques

Support teachers in implementation of new skills through instructional or facilitative coaching

Observe new and experienced teachers in the classroom during the reading instructional tiers to provide specific one‑on‑one feedback regarding evidence-based practices to individual teachers during the coaching conferencing process

Assist in planning and implementation of a 120‑minute literacy block (90‑minute core that includes small group differentiation and a 30‑minute intervention period) with an emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, in addition to oral and written language

Provide professional learning opportunities related to core and intervention programs to support instruction

Provide resources, tools, and research for enhancing instructional practices

Support teachers to deepen their understanding of content knowledge, evidence-based reading strategies, and how to use a variety of assessments to monitor student achievement

Support grade level teams in analyzing data and designing next steps for instruction

Maintain records related to coaching cycles, professional development, and data related to early literacy screening

Meet with the school administration and leadership team on a regular basis to examine school data and assist in school‑wide planning and implementation of meaningful literacy professional learning opportunities

Support the development of the MOWR literacy plan as a member of the school literacy committee

Engage in reading data conversations with teachers and assisting in goal setting, data/evidence collection and analysis, instruction, and assessment

Support teachers’ collaborative work to plan reading lessons, small group differentiation, and interventions

Align efforts to the school’s mission, vision, and literacy plan as they coincide with current reading research

Stay informed of the latest reading research

Maintain confidentiality to build trustful and respectful relationships

Recognize and celebrate accomplishments of all teachers

Continue to build knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practices in early literacy and coaching

Network with other literacy coaches

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in education or related field with 3 years documented successful experience teaching reading – or bachelor’s 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

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 processExperience analyzing and using student achievement data for instructional purposes

Ability to travel occasionally

LETRS preferred

Knowledge Of

Evidence-based research in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language

Essential components of reading instruction

The science of reading and structured literacy

The Move On When Reading (MOWR) legislation

Arizona’s English Language Arts (ELA) Standards and Arizona Early Learning Standards (AZELS)

Literacy assessment systems, practices, and types

Effective strategies in working with adult learners

Evidence-based practices in literacy

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

Reading processes, acquisition, assessment, and instruction

Scientific reading research and its application to effective classroom instruction, structure, and practices, as well as intervention

Multi-tiered system of supports model, and data analysis and application

Skills In

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

Abilities

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

License and Certification Requirements
Must possess a valid Arizona Teaching Certificate with a Reading Endorsement or K‑5 Literacy Endorsement, or demonstrate progress toward obtaining the required endorsement, which must be added to the teaching certificate within six (6) months of the start date.

Physical Demands and Working Environment
The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and staff.

Submission Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum rating of “Effective” based on the district‑approved teacher evaluation instrument.

Position Type
Full‑Time

Salary:

$61,305 to $72,124 Per Year

Job Requirements

Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

Claudia Bevins, Recruitment Marketing Coordinator

District Office

Phone: 928‑373‑3458

Email: careers@craneschools.org

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