The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
500 South Hamilton Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
Salary: $75,000 - $105,000 annually, based on experience
Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position
Position Summary
Teachers First is seeking a School Leader / Principal for The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) to begin immediately in preparation for the school's Fall 2026 opening.
GATA is a K-8 public charter school designed to combine rigorous academic instruction with gaming, technology, innovation, and real-world learning experiences. The School Leader / Principal will serve as the head of school and will be responsible for the overall success of the Academy, including academic performance, school culture, staff development, enrollment growth, operational management, and community engagement.
This position requires a visionary educational leader who can successfully build systems from the ground up, foster a culture of excellence, and lead the implementation of GATA's unique gamified educational model. The successful candidate will be an instructional leader, culture builder, systems manager, and community ambassador who is committed to creating an engaging, student-centered learning environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership
- Serve as the primary leader responsible for the overall success and performance of the school.
- Utilize student achievement data, including NWEA, state assessments, formative assessments, and other performance metrics, to drive instructional decisions.
- Provide ongoing coaching, support, feedback, and professional development for instructional staff.
- Ensure effective implementation of curriculum and instructional programs.
- Lead and sustain GATA's gamified educational systems, including challenges, competitions, mastery tracking, rewards, and student engagement initiatives.
- Monitor academic progress and implement strategies to improve student achievement and growth.
School Culture and Student Engagement
- Establish and maintain a structured, positive, and student-focused school culture.
- Promote high academic and behavioral expectations for all students.
- Lead implementation of GATA's innovative educational model, including:
- Gamified learning systems
- Mastery-based progress tracking
- Seasonal quests and competitions
- Student-centered instructional practices
- Technology integration across all content areas
- Support project-based learning and student-driven educational experiences.
- Foster student ownership, engagement, and accountability.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Recruit, hire, develop, and retain highly effective instructional and support staff.
- Conduct staff evaluations and provide ongoing performance feedback.
- Lead Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on continuous improvement and student outcomes.
- Build staff capacity in instructional excellence, engagement strategies, technology integration, and innovative teaching practices.
- Promote a collaborative and professional work environment.
Operations and Compliance
- Oversee daily school operations, including:
- Staffing
- Scheduling
- Student management
- School-wide procedures
- Ensure compliance with all state, charter authorizer, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with central office leadership regarding budgeting, enrollment, staffing, and strategic planning.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and effective learning environment.
- Prepare and present monthly reports to the Board of Directors outlining school performance, operational metrics, student achievement data, and strategic recommendations.
Family and Community Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with families, community organizations, and stakeholders.
- Communicate effectively regarding student achievement, school initiatives, and expectations.
- Support student recruitment, enrollment, and retention efforts.
- Plan and lead family engagement activities, including:
- Family Nights
- Student showcases
- Community events
- Seasonal school experiences
- Strengthen relationships between students, families, and the school community through GATA's unique educational model.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field required.
- Master's Degree preferred.
- Valid School Administrator Certification/Licensure or ability to obtain certification in Michigan.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a school leadership position, such as:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Dean
- Instructional Leader
- Comparable administrative role
- Demonstrated success improving student achievement and academic outcomes.
- Experience utilizing data to drive instructional improvement.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to successfully lead complex educational initiatives from development through implementation.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to innovation, student success, and educational excellence.
Additional Requirements
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
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.
GATA's educational model emphasizes student engagement, mastery learning, technology integration, and hands-on experiences that prepare students for future academic and career success. As a founding member of the leadership team, the School Leader / Principal will play a vital role in shaping the vision, culture, and long-term success of the Academy.
