Job Description:

Principal Gale Elementary School

Gale Elementary School: Where academic rigor meets social-emotional growth!

Kindness is Key!

At Gale Elementary, we operate as more than just a school; we are a family. Our mission is to inspire as a team by building upon positive principles and preparing students for life through a "whole-child" approach. We are a "Kind Kids" school, where we believe that character—specifically our Tiger Traits like creativity, responsibility, and kindness—is just as important as the curriculum. As Principal, you will step into a warm, supportive environment where students are celebrated weekly for their character and where parents are deeply involved in the school’s success.

Join Our Team

When you join Gale, you are joining a high-performing community that consistently ranks as one of the best public elementary schools in Tucson. We boast a B+ State Rating and proficiency scores that exceed district averages, providing you with a strong foundation to build upon. You will be supported by a veteran staff and a community that treats its Principal as a partner. If you are looking for a school where you can focus on deep instructional leadership and social-emotional development without having to build the culture from scratch, Gale is your perfect fit.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please visit our website or contact the Tucson Unified School District.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Gale Tiger family—help us shape the next generation of kind, resilient leaders!

• • Location: 678 S Gollob Rd, Tucson, AZ 85710
  • Mascot: Tigers
  • Student Population: Serving students of grades K-6, Gale has a beautifully diverse student population of nearly 300 students and represents families from all walks of life.
  • Historical Significance: Gale Elementary is named after Laura O. Gale, a legendary figure in Tucson education. Opened in 1969, the school has spent over 50 years as an "East Side" staple, often serving multiple generations of the same families.
  • Diversity: The student body is predominantly Hispanic (46.0%), proudly serving a student body that embodies the cultural heart and history of the Southwest. Other demographic groups include White (33.6%), African American (10.7%), Native American (0.3%), Multi-Racial (7.7%) and Asian American (1.7%).
  • Academic Performance: Gale has recently earned a "B+" rating from the Arizona Department of Education. This grade indicates that the school is "highly performing" and consistently demonstrates high levels of student growth and proficiency.
  • Programs and Achievements: Gale offers Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) and Extended-Day Programs.

This information highlights the school's vibrant community and commitment to education in the Tucson area.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Tucson Unified School District, in partnership with parents and the greater community, is to assure each pre-K through 12th-grade student receives an engaging, rigorous, and comprehensive education.

The District is committed to inclusion and non-discrimination in all District activities.  At all times, District staff should work to ensure that staff, parents, students, and members of the public are included and welcome to participate in District activities.

POSITION SUMMARY
Principals in the Tucson Unified School District serve as the instructional and operational leaders of a district school and lead all stakeholders in fulfilling the collective mission and vision of the school, promote a culture of student success through high expectations, collaborative relationships and ensure that the learning environment is inclusive and equitable.

REPORTS TO

Assistant Superintendent, Region 5: Pantano
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master's Degree in Educational Administration, Educational Leadership, or closely related field
• Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card
• Current Arizona Principal Certificate
• Two years of experience as a school Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Consideration will be given to applicants who explicitly confirm possession of the following preferred qualifications in their resume or application:

• Bilingual, fluent in speaking, reading, and writing English/Spanish
• Five years’ experience as a school Principal 
• Certified Evaluator in the Danielson Framework of Teaching 
• 1 year experience administering Special Education programs 
• 1 year experience administering Language Acquisition programs 
• 1 year experience administering tiered systems of student behavioral and academic interventions 
• 1 year experience as an Administrator of a Title 1 school

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE

• Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization 

POSITION SPECIFICS

• Application Required on TUSD Website: Job Ref #5502077
• EFFECTIVE: 2026-2027 School Year
• LOCATION: Gale Elementary School - Harrison & 22nd Area
• FTE: 1.0 - 8 hours per day
• START DATE: July 1, 2026
• SALARY RANGE: $78,336.85 to $90,946.65
• WORK CALENDAR: 12 months

First Review of Applications will begin on February 5, 2026.

Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language.  For more information on the salary schedule, please reference the Employee Agreements Webpage. 

Salary will be prorated if the start date is after the first day of the work calendar for the position. 

Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.