Instructional Strategist (2026/2027 School Year)

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: Desert Sonora School

TYPE: Certified STATUS: Exempt SALARY LEVEL: $58,138 DOE, recognize up to 5 years experience, 9 month position, Full Benefit Package)

REPORTS TO: School Principal WORK CALENDAR: 195.5 Days/8 Hour per day START DATE: July 2026

DEFINITION: Under general direction, provides, develops, and implements educational support for both teachers and students in implementing Arizona State Standards and Somerton School District’s curriculum with effective use of technology to help students develop proficient skills that will contribute to their academic growth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class).

TASKS:

Provide initial and ongoing professional development in Common Core Standards.
Plan with teachers developing effective practices and student engagement with the curriculum.
Form collegial support groups to share instructional techniques and scientifically based research in Common Core and other content areas.

Monitor teachers as they incorporate effective strategies and standards into their daily instruction.
Visit classrooms to model lessons.
Provide instructional feedback on observed lessons.
Assist in the planning to scaffold lessons in the Common Core curriculum.
Present to adults in small and large group settings.
Develop relationships with classroom teachers, administrators and staff development personnel to provide support and promote collaborative working relationships.

Prepare a schedule for individual and small groups.

Uses best practices in serving identified students

Provide feedback to the students’ classroom teachers regarding the student being served.

Participate in regular meetings with Leaders as needed.

Participate in professional development.

Consult frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to instruction using progress-monitoring instruments as a base.

Design interventions and write lesson plans detailing methods and materials.

Assist in the evaluation of on-going programs and make recommendations for change.

Work with the classroom teacher and district personnel to coordinate instruction designed to meet the individual needs of students.

Work with the classroom teacher to monitor student progress.

Participate and attend training related to State Standards, coaching and all training appropriate for the position.

Perform other responsibilities as may, from time to time, be assigned by the supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED:

Knowledge of bilingual education principles, practices and methods.

Knowledge of Federal and State guidelines, laws and regulations governing Sheltered English Instruction.

Knowledge of classroom teaching methods and techniques.

Knowledge of effective technology in correlation to instruction.

Knowledge of lesson plan development.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of Arizona Academic Standards.

Knowledge of reading fundamentals and strategies.

Knowledge of the Eight Step Process used by Somerton School District, higher order thinking, student engagement and EL strategies.

Ability to interact well with others; must be able to work cooperatively with teachers, the LEA support team and parents.

Understanding the importance of using assessment data to make informed decisions.

Participate in any and all training offered by ADE for Teaching Reading Effectively.

Skill in mentoring teachers.

Skill in public speaking and presenting.

Skill in gathering statistical data and developing reports.

Skill in effective oral and written communication.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively with district and building level teachers and administrators.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments. Work requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting and/or carrying up to 30 pounds. May be required to restrain students with behavioral problems. May be exposed to infectious diseases and body fluid borne pathogens.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree, preferably in Education or National Board Certified five (5) years of teaching experience that demonstrates knowledge in assigned areas and have been identified as effective or highly effective in the teacher evaluation. Must possess or eligible to obtain and maintain Arizona Department of Education Teacher Certification with endorsement(s) in area(s) of assignment. Ability to communicate effectively with district and building level teachers and administrators.Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVP) required at the time of hiring. Additional certifications may also be required as specified by the District.