Job Summary
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA), opening Fall 2026, is seeking a mission-driven educator to serve as the Special Education Teacher & Coordinator. This is a dual-focus leadership role designed for an expert practitioner who is ready to build a premier special education department from the ground up. As a new charter school, GATA is in search of a visionary practitioner who can ensure every student receives the support they deserve while building the compliance infrastructure that ensures the school's long-term success.
As a founding member of the GATA team, you will be the primary architect to design, launch and lead the Special Education department. You will bridge the gap between rigorous compliance and student-centered advocacy, ensuring that every student-regardless of their starting point-has the tools to excel within our technology-rich learning environment.
At GATA, we leverage gaming and technology to engage students and prepare them for the future. The Special Education Teacher & Coordinator should be comfortable working in a tech-forward environment and excited about finding innovative ways to use technology to provide accommodations and support student accessibility.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement all Standard Operating Procedures for Special Education, including referral processes, IEP meeting protocols, and service delivery models.
- Serve as the official Child Find Coordinator, ensuring the school proactively identifies and evaluates students with suspected disabilities in accordance with state and federal law.
- Ensure compliance with IDEA and Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
- Oversee all special education data and state reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in alignment with Intermediate School District (ISD) and state standards.
- Provide high-quality specialized instruction and interventions tailored to the unique needs of GATA students.
- Lead the development and maintenance of all special education paperwork, including REEDs, IEPs, and Progress Reports, ensuring they are legally defensible and data-driven.
- Design and implement robust systems to track student growth, using data to refine Individualized Education Programs as appropriate.
- Provide professional development to general education teachers regarding differentiation, accommodations, and the referral process to foster a culture of inclusion.
- Act as the primary liaison for families to explain the special education process and build a culture of transparency and support.
- Coordinate with external service providers (OT, PT, SLP, School Psychologists) to ensure seamless service delivery.
Qualifications
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with at least one Special Education endorsement (e.g., LD, CI, EI, ASD).
- Minimum of 3–5 years of special education teaching experience. Previous experience in a leadership or coordinator role is highly preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary starting at $65,000 based on experience
- Full-time 10-month position
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Satisfactory criminal background check.
Work Location: In person
