Merrill Area Public Schools is seeking a Full Time Teacher in our Special Education Department at Merrill High School starting in the 2026-27 school year. MAPS is a progressive, student centered district focused on student achievement and service excellence.
The Special Education Teacher provides instruction and support to high school students (grades 9-12) with intellectual disabilities, many of whom remain in the program until age 21. The Special Education teacher will focus on individualized education, life skills development, and transition planning. This role involves designing and implementing differentiated lessons, modifying curriculum to align with student abilities, and fostering a supportive learning environment that promotes independence and social-emotional growth. The teacher collaborates with families, support staff, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that address academic, functional, and vocational goals. Additional responsibilities include monitoring student progress, adapting instructional strategies, and ensuring compliance with special education regulations and best practices.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties as assigned):
- Develop and implement individualized lesson plans aligned with students' IEP goals.
- Modify general education curriculum to meet the academic and functional needs of students.
- Utilize a variety of instructional strategies, assistive technology, and hands-on activities to enhance learning.
- Assess students' academic and functional abilities to develop appropriate IEP goals.
- Collaborate with parents, related service providers, and general education staff to create and implement effective IEPs.
- Monitor student progress and adjust instruction and accommodations as needed.
- Implement positive behavior supports and interventions to promote a structured, inclusive learning environment.
- Teach social-emotional skills, self-regulation strategies, and appropriate communication methods.
- Maintain a safe, respectful, and engaging classroom environment.
- Provide instruction in daily living skills, vocational training, and community-based learning to prepare students for post-secondary transitions.
- Facilitate opportunities for students to develop independence in areas such as self-care, financial literacy, and employment readiness.
- Collaborate with families, community agencies, and transition coordinators to support post-graduation planning.
- Work closely with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, and administrators to support student inclusion and success.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, behavior, and IEP implementation.
- Participate in IEP meetings, professional development, and team planning sessions.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress, behavior data, and IEP documentation.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district special education laws and policies.
- Conduct formal and informal assessments to guide instructional decisions and IEP development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Physical Working Requirements:
- Frequent standing, walking, and moving throughout the classroom and school building. Ability to transition quickly from a seated position to standing to address safety concerns or student needs. Assist students with personal care tasks such as feeding, toileting, and dressing, if required.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move objects (and occasionally assist with students) weighing 25-50 lbs. frequently. In some settings, must be able to perform or lead "multi-person transfers" for students with significant physical disabilities.
- Constant need to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor or in small student-sized chairs to interact with students at their eye level.
- High level of fine and gross motor skills to operate assistive technology, manage medical equipment (e.g., feeding tubes or braces), and utilize digital tools for IEP documentation.
- Sustained visual and auditory focus to monitor student behavior, detect non-verbal cues, and ensure safety in high-stimulus environments.
- Ability to complete and implement district-approved de-escalation and physical safety training (e.g. NVCI) to safely manage aggressive or self-injurious student behaviors.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Special Education
- State certification in Special Education - Cross Categorical License
- Knowledge of special education laws and regulations (IDEA, ADA, etc.)
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Experience working with high school students with diverse disabilities is preferred
- Experience with various Google Platforms, and assistive technology. Experience with chromebooks preferred.