The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
500 South Hamilton Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
Salary: Starting at $65,000 annually, based on experience
Position Type: Full-Time, 10-Month Position
Position Summary
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA), opening Fall 2026, is seeking a dedicated and visionary Special Education Teacher & Coordinator to serve in a dual-role leadership position. This unique opportunity is designed for an experienced special education professional who is prepared to build and lead a comprehensive special education department from the ground up.
As a founding member of the GATA team, the Special Education Teacher & Coordinator will be responsible for both delivering high-quality specialized instruction and developing the systems, procedures, and compliance structures necessary to support students with disabilities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring that every student receives equitable access to educational opportunities while maintaining compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
GATA utilizes technology-rich learning environments and innovative instructional strategies, including gaming and technology integration, to engage students and prepare them for future success. The ideal candidate will embrace technology as a tool to support accessibility, accommodations, and student achievement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Program Development
- Develop and implement all Standard Operating Procedures for Special Education services.
- Establish referral processes, IEP meeting protocols, and service delivery models.
- Serve as the school's official Child Find Coordinator.
- Design, launch, and oversee the Special Education department.
- Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
- Oversee all special education data collection, reporting, and compliance requirements.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting to the Intermediate School District (ISD) and state agencies.
- Coordinate services with outside providers, including Occupational Therapists (OT), Physical Therapists (PT), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), and School Psychologists.
- Provide professional development and guidance to general education staff regarding accommodations, differentiation strategies, and referral procedures.
Instruction and Student Support
- Provide specialized instruction and targeted interventions based on student needs.
- Develop, maintain, and monitor all required special education documentation, including:
- REEDs
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Progress Reports
- Ensure all documentation is data-driven, accurate, and legally compliant.
- Design and implement systems to monitor student growth and achievement.
- Utilize student performance data to adjust instructional practices and IEP goals.
- Support student access to technology and assistive tools that enhance learning and accessibility.
- Foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration throughout the school community.
Family and Community Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison for families regarding special education services.
- Communicate the special education process clearly and effectively to parents and guardians.
- Build positive relationships with families through transparency, advocacy, and support.
Qualifications
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate.
- Minimum of one Special Education endorsement, such as:
- Learning Disabilities (LD)
- Cognitive Impairment (CI)
- Emotional Impairment (EI)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of Special Education teaching experience.
- Previous leadership, coordinator, or program management experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of IDEA, MARSE, IEP development, and special education compliance requirements.
- Experience utilizing data to drive student outcomes and program effectiveness.
- Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, staff, and outside service providers.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Commitment to creating inclusive educational opportunities for all students.
Additional Requirements
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
About The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) is a new educational institution opening in Fall 2026 that combines academic excellence with technology, creativity, competition, and real-world learning experiences. Through innovative instructional methods, gamified learning systems, and strong student relationships, GATA seeks to prepare students for success in an evolving technological world.
GATA is committed to creating an engaging learning environment where students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and technology skills that will serve them throughout their educational and professional journeys.
