Special Educator for Merrimack High School 2025/26 (2 Openings)
Merrimack High School’s PASS Program is designed to provide targeted support for students facing social and emotional challenges that may hinder their ability to fully access the regular education classroom, which is the least restrictive educational environment. This program offers students a structured opportunity to receive specialized instruction each day, focusing on developing personalized coping strategies for high school life and learning how to regulate emotional responses to challenges and stressful situations. Students can access PASS services during times of crisis or during scheduled meetings, offering timely support.
In addition to these core objectives, a key component of the PASS program is to foster the development of coping strategies and a therapeutic rapport with students. This is achieved by the teacher building a strong, trusting relationship with each student. By creating a supportive and empathetic environment, teachers can help students feel safe and understood, which is essential for the process of self-regulation, de-escalation and emotional growth. The teacher actively works with students to build resilience by equipping them with tools to manage stress, navigate interpersonal conflicts, and persevere through academic and personal challenges.
The teacher’s responsibilities in the PASS program include:
Collaboration: Working as part of a team with other PASS program members, as well as closely collaborating with school administration, the counseling office, and external service agencies to ensure a holistic support system for the student.
Student Engagement: Actively engaging students in the educational learning process, setting academic goals, and providing ongoing support to help them achieve those goals.
Teaching Coping Strategies: Instructing students on alternative coping strategies, especially those who may tend to self-sabotage or avoid challenges, thus supporting their ability to confront and manage difficult situations.
Building Coping Strategies & Therapeutic Rapport: Developing individualized coping mechanisms for students, emphasizing emotional regulation and resilience. By creating a therapeutic rapport, the teacher builds trust, allowing students to open up about their emotional experiences, which fosters growth in coping and self-awareness.
Parental Involvement: Maintaining strong communication with parents to ensure consistency between home and school approaches. Engaging families in the process allows for a seamless support system that helps reinforce coping strategies and positive behavior.
Problem-Solving Skills: Helping students develop problem-solving skills to build resilience and empower them to manage future challenges independently.
Monitoring Progress: Tracking academic progress while facilitating positive relationships between students and their regular education teachers, ensuring that students feel integrated into the larger school community.
This comprehensive approach helps ensure that students in the PASS program not only overcome social/emotional barriers but also develop the skills necessary to thrive in both academic and personal settings.
