Principal

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.