Teachers First is seeking a Principal for The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) to start IMMEDIATLY!
GATA is opening Fall 2026, is seeking a highly effective and innovative Principal to lead a K–8 school designed to integrate strong academic instruction with gaming, technology, and real-world learning. The Principal serves as the head of school, responsible for both day-to-day operations and the long-term success and growth of the program.
This role requires a leader who can drive student achievement while building and sustaining a gamified school culture focused on engagement, mastery, and student ownership. The Principal will serve as both an instructional leader and a systems builder, ensuring high-quality teaching, strong staff development, and a positive, structured learning environment.
The ideal candidate understands how to integrate technology meaningfully into curriculum and instruction, leverage gamification to motivate both students and staff, and lead engaging, schoolwide experiences that increase participation, effort, and achievement.
Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership
- Serve as the primary leader responsible for the overall success of the school, including academic performance, culture, enrollment, and staff development
- Use student data (e.g., NWEA, state assessments, formative data) to drive instructional decisions
- Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development to teachers
- Ensure effective implementation of core curriculum
- Lead and sustain GATA's gamified systems, including games, challenges, and competitions that drive student engagement and motivation
School Culture & Student Engagement
- Build and maintain a structured, positive school culture with high expectations
- Lead implementation of GATA's unique model, including:
- Gamified systems (badges, mastery tracking, Seasonal Quests)
- Student-centered0 learning experiences
- Technology integration across content areas
- Support innovative programming such as project-based learning and student-driven work
Staff Leadership
- Hire, develop, and retain high-quality staff
- Conduct evaluations and provide actionable, ongoing feedback
- Lead Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on student outcomes
- Build staff capacity in instruction, engagement strategies, and technology integration
Operations & Compliance
- Oversee daily school operations, including scheduling, staffing, and student management
- Ensure compliance with state, district, and authorizer requirements
- Collaborate with central office on budget, enrollment, and staffing
- Maintain a safe, well-managed learning environment
- Lead and present monthly reports to the Board, providing clear, data-driven insights and recommendations on school performance and strategic direction
Family & Community Engagement
- Build strong relationships with families and community stakeholders
- Communicate effectively regarding student progress and school expectations
- Support student recruitment, enrollment, and retention efforts
- Plan and lead engaging family events (e.g., Family Nights, showcases, and seasonal experiences) that reflect GATA's gamified model and strengthen connections between school, students, and families
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (BA or equivalent) or higher in Education or a related field (Master's preferred)
- Valid School Administrator Licensure/Certification (or ability to obtain in Michigan)
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a school leadership role (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean, or other instructional leadership position.
- Demonstrated success improving student achievement, including measurable gains in proficiency and growth
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivated, with the ability to lead complex initiatives from start to finish
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and support a team effectively
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $75,000 - $105,000 based on experience
- Full-time 12-month position
- Access to comprehensive benefits, including:
- Group health insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Satisfactory criminal background check.
