Turtle Lake-Mercer School is not only a school but is also a home. Administration, staff, and the school board are very approachable and open-minded, so much so that they were willing to take a chance on me starting their Family and Consumer Science program. I am so thankful to feel so supported in the place that I work. They say, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and I wholeheartedly feel like that is true about TL-M School. Coming to work at TL-M was the best decision I could have made for my teaching career!
Employment Opportunities
Values
Excellence is expected: Growth, Responsibility, Respect, Commitment.
Mission
The mission of the Turtle Lake - Mercer School is to provide students a learning opportunity in a safe environment, to become productive citizens.
Vision
We will create a community of lifelong learners in collaboration with our school, parents, and community. In a safe and caring environment, we will engage students in meaningful and relevant educational experiences. Graduates will be critical thinkers who can solve problems and effectively communicate, striving for their full potential in an ever-changing world.
Testimonials
Melora Buchholz
Leah Anderson
I have had the pleasure of working at Turtle Lake Mercer School as a teacher for the past four years and I can confidently say that it has been a very rewarding experience. From the moment I stepped into the school, I was welcomed with open arms by the supportive administration and friendly staff. The small classroom sizes at Turtle Lake Mercer School allow for a more personalized and intimate learning experience for both the students and teachers. This creates a strong sense of community and allows for a closer connection with each student. The school truly embodies the idea of working together to benefit the students, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has on their academic and personal growth. One of the things that sets Turtle Lake Mercer School apart is the good support and helpfulness of the staff. As a teacher, I have always felt supported and encouraged to try new teaching methods and ideas. The collaborative and nurturing environment has allowed me to continuously develop as an educator. But beyond the professional growth, what truly makes Turtle Lake Mercer School special is the development of friendships. The staff and students have become like a second family to me, and I am grateful for the relationships I have formed here. I highly recommend anyone looking to become a teacher to come and work at Turtle Lake Mercer School. It is a place where you will not only have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your students, but also be a part of a supportive and welcoming community. Thank you, Turtle Lake Mercer School, for being an amazing place to work and grow as a teacher.
Current Openings
Teaching Openings
Turtle Lake – Mercer Public School is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual for the position of 7 – 12 Grade Science Teacher to join our dedicated team of educators.
Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Teacher to support students in grades 7–12, fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. The ideal candidate will collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment that empowers every student to succeed.
Qualifications: Must hold or be able to obtain a North Dakota Teaching License.
Salary: Based on the TL-M Negotiated Agreement. Individuals will be placed according to experience and qualifications.
Benefits: 4-day School Week (171-day contract), Full health insurance plan including Health Savings Account, Model I TFFR, and opportunities for professional growth.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should send letter of application, three letters of recommendation, and resume to Sheila Schlafmann – Superintendent at sheila.schlafmann@k12.nd.us or by mail PO Box 160, Turtle Lake, ND 58575. For questions, please call Sheila Schlafmann at (757) 651-9230 or (701)448-2365.
Turtle Lake – Mercer Public School is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual for the position of 7 – 12 Grade Agriculture Education Teacher/FFA Advisor to join our dedicated team of educators.
Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Teacher to support students in grades 7–12, fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. The ideal candidate will collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment that empowers every student to succeed.
Qualifications: Must hold or be able to obtain a North Dakota Teaching License.
Salary: Based on the TL-M Negotiated Agreement. Individuals will be placed according to experience and qualifications.
Additional $5,000 FFA contract and up to 20-day summer contract based on placement on the salary schedule.
Benefits: Full health insurance plan including $2,600 Health Savings Account, Model I TFFR, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
15 sick days, 3 personal days with 3 flex days.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should send letter of application, three letters of recommendation, and resume to Sheila Schlafmann – Superintendent at sheila.schlafmann@k12.nd.us or by mail PO Box 160, Turtle Lake, ND 58575. For questions, please call Sheila Schlafmann at (757) 651-9230 or (701) 448-2365.
Position open until filled.
Other Openings
Substitute Teachers
Responsible for supervision and instruction using lesson plans prepared by the regular teacher. Compensation is $145 per day or $20 per hour. Long-term subs are compensated at base salary, prorated by the number of days taught. Must have a minimum of a North Dakota Substitute Teacher’s License.
Substitute Paraprofessionals
Seeking paraprofessionals open to being on an on-call substitute list. This individual would be working with students in the classroom setting, monitoring recess and lunch, assisting teachers, and other duties as assigned. Hourly wage is $14 per hour.
Substitute Route Drivers
Responsible for transporting students safely to and from school using a district-owned school bus. Class B license with passenger endorsement is required. Compensation is $59.00 per run, with a maximum of $118 per day.
Mini Bus Drivers
Looking for drivers who would be willing to do activity and student driving using school van, or mini bus. Must be able to pass defensive driving.
Coaching
The Central McLean Co-op is seeking applicants for the following coaching position for the 2025-26 School Year:
JH Volleyball Coach
Central McLean is seeking applicants for the position of Head Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach for the 2025-26 season. Interested applicants can pick up an application and a copy of the Central McLean Sports Cooperative Agreement at the McClusky-Goodrich School office, Turtle Lake - Mercer School office, or Underwood School office. Links to the application and a copy of the Central McLean Sports Cooperative Agreement are also attached in this post. The position is open until April 8th. All completed applications should be submitted to jessica.hoffert@underwoodschool.org; mailed to Underwood Public School c/o Jessica Hoffert, PO Box 100, Underwood, ND 58576; or dropped off at one of the above school offices.
Application- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bW5Sa4ERIvHEb0y1cO-1X_ioBcFt9ayB/view?usp=drive_link
Cooperative Agreement- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j9eokxaQAaGqmqFzIoj-LEWvMd-agPp4/view?usp=drive_link
The TLMM Co-op is seeking applicants for the following coaching position: