The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
500 South Hamilton Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
Salary: $42,000 - $58,000 annually
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic GSRP Lead Teacher to join its founding team for the Fall 2026 school opening.
As part of Michigan's Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), the Lead Teacher will provide high-quality early childhood instruction that promotes the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of preschool-aged children. The successful candidate will create a nurturing and engaging classroom environment that supports school readiness while fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
The GSRP Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, maintaining positive relationships with families, and ensuring compliance with program requirements and state standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Instruction and Classroom Management
- Plan and conduct daily instructional activities based on the interests, developmental levels, and abilities of assigned children.
- Develop and implement structured and unstructured learning experiences across multiple curricular areas.
- Provide children with a variety of daily learning opportunities and choices.
- Foster intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development through engaging educational activities.
- Stimulate creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
- Post and maintain weekly lesson plans aligned with program goals and standards.
- Maintain an organized, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
- Observe and document individual and group behavior, progress, and developmental milestones.
Family Engagement and Communication
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding child development, progress, and behavior.
- Conduct required home visits in accordance with GSRP program guidelines.
- Develop positive relationships with families to support student success and family engagement.
- Inform program leadership of significant concerns or developments involving students or families.
Program Operations
- Support and maintain the goals and objectives of the Academy's preschool program.
- Assist with meal and snack service by transporting food items from the kitchen to the classroom.
- Supervise children during meal and snack periods.
- Ensure proper cleanup and sanitation procedures following meals and snacks.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training programs.
- Maintain compliance with all GSRP, licensing, and Academy requirements.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with a ZA or ZS endorsement.
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with specialization in preschool instruction.
- Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of successful experience working with young children in a group educational setting.
- Must meet all requirements established by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), as applicable.
- Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to create a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
- Commitment to supporting children and families through high-quality early childhood education.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
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.
As part of its commitment to student success, GATA's preschool programming focuses on building strong educational foundations that prepare children for future academic achievement while supporting social, emotional, and developmental growth.
