TOA, ELD SPECIALIST 2026 - 2027 SCHOOL YEAR

 PHOENIX

PXU

UNION

Equal Opportunity Employer

TOA, ELD Specialist

The Phoenix Union High School District is proud to serve a diverse population of 24,000 students and 3,400 employees in Arizona's capital city. With a portfolio of comprehensive schools, small specialty schools, support schools, micro schools, magnet programs, and extensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings, PXU's schools of opportunity welcome, love, and inspire all students to go places and do things that matter.

SUMMARY:

This Title Ill-funded position provides supplemental services that enhance the district's overall English learner (EL) program. The English Language Development (ELD) Specialist strengthens targeted and integrated ELD instruction by delivering evidence-based support to educators, leading high-quality professional learning aligned with Arizona's four principles of the Language Development Approach (LDA) and supports meaningful family engagement led at the campus level. The role ensures all supplemental activities align with Title Ill requirements and Arizona's LDA, expanding support beyond the district's core EL program across instructional settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide instructional leadership and targeted coaching to ELD teachers in the design, delivery, and continuous refinement of the guaranteed and viable curriculum (GVC), ensuring high- quality, research-based ELD instruction aligned to students' language proficiency levels and instructional needs.

2. Build the capacity of ELD Instructional Leaders (ELD ILs) to effectively support targeted ELD teachers through collaborative planning, data-informed decision-making, observation and feedback cycles, and implementation of evidence-based ELD instructional practices.

3. Collaborate with ELD Instructional Leaders and content specialists to strengthen their ability to guide

   content-area teachers in implementing effective integrated ELD instruction that aligns language development supports with grade-level disciplinary learning.

4. Lead the design and implementation of districtwide professional development focused on Arizona's English Language Proficiency Standards, the Language Development Approach, and effective ELD instructional routines to strengthen English learner achievement across all curricular areas.
5. Support district and school staff in developing effective practices for building and sustaining relationships with English learner students to create welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
6. Support district and school staff in developing and sustaining effective family engagement practices that foster meaningful partnerships with English learner students and families.

7. Maintain and apply expert knowledge of evidence-based ELD instructional strategies by continuously researching best practices and integrating current, effective approaches into meaningful professional development and instructional support for educators.

8. Perform other related duties as assigned.

The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:

• Five (5) years of experience teaching targeted ELD, preferably at the high school level, with most recent year in PXU.

License and Certification Requirements:

• Secondary Certification with English as an approved area
• ESL or bilingual endorsement
• Master's Degree, preferably in curriculum and instruction or English as a Second Language/TESOL
• Valid Arizona Driver's License

IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work with adults.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Ability to learn delivery procedures.
• Ability to follow oral instructions, as well as read and follow written instructions.
• Ability to establish rapport and work collaboratively with students and staff.
• Ability to enter accurate data into student management systems for state reporting.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, and filing systems.
• Skill in understanding, explaining, and applying relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to operate office equipment and computer software.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide excellent customer experiences, including but not limited to interacting tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Commitment to create and sustain a thriving learning and working environment for students and staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use initiative within organizational policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a standard office environment.

WHY WORK AT PXU

The Phoenix Union High School District is one of the state's largest employers. Our 3,400 education professionals are committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students while enjoying an inspiring work environment.

• Highly Competitive Pay
• Participation in Arizona State Retirement System
• Vacation and Personal Leave Plans (for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits
• Education Loan Forgiveness (If eligible)
• Paid Winter and Spring Breaks

The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation, as well as gender identity, gender expression and immigration status. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business.

Action Prepared by: Reviewed by: Effective Date 

New KC TC/CTA/Talent 3/5/26