Merrill Area Public Schools is seeking a Full Time Teacher in our Special Education Department at Prairie River Middle School starting for the 2026-27 school year. MAPS is a progressive, student centered district focused on student achievement and service excellence.
The Special Education Teacher will work collaboratively and proactively with teachers, parents, and other educational professionals to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) to support students' needs and enhance their educational performance. The Special Education Teacher will work with school based teams to conduct comprehensive evaluations, determine individual student needs, provide direct academic & behavioral services and intervention, while maintaining compliance with IEPs.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties as assigned):
- The successful candidate will work as part of a teaching team collaboratively to plan instruction, develop and administer assessments, and evaluate student progress in these classes.
- Develop and implement lesson plans that meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to accommodate various learning styles and abilities.
- Utilize evidence-based strategies to support student learning in core academic areas and life skills.
- Collaborate with parents, general education teachers, and specialists to develop IEPs that align with students' academic, social, and emotional goals.
- Monitor and document students' progress toward IEP goals, adjusting strategies as needed.
- Participate in IEP meetings, providing input on student progress and needs.
- Establish and maintain a positive, structured classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Implement behavior management plans as necessary, ensuring a safe and respectful classroom culture.
- Teach and reinforce appropriate social skills and behaviors.
- Work closely with general education teachers to support the inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress and any concerns.
- Collaborate with related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists) to support students' comprehensive needs.
- Conduct assessments to evaluate students'' strengths, needs, and progress.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of student performance and behavior.
- Prepare progress reports and report cards, ensuring compliance with district and state guidelines.
- Stay informed about best practices in special education and participate in ongoing professional development.
- Apply new knowledge and skills to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district regulations regarding special education.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
- Complete and submit required documentation, such as IEPs, progress reports, and attendance records, in a timely manner.
- 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.
- 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
Emphasis in Emotional Behavioral Disorder preferred
State certification in Special Education - Cross Categorical License (preferred)
Knowledge of special education laws and regulations (IDEA, ADA, etc.)
Strong communication and organizational skills
Experience working with middle school students with diverse disabilities is preferred
Experience with various Google Platforms & chromebooks preferred