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The Madison Metropolitan School District is looking for a dedicated Special Education Assistant to support students with disabilities. This role involves providing instructional support, managing behavior, and assisting with daily activities. Ideal candidates will have experience in educational settings and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Elementary School Operations
Starting Compensation: $24.11
Employment Type: Non-Exempt
MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for openings for the 2025-2026 school year. Applicants should have a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.
Why You Should Work with MMSD!
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin. We have a simple but bold vision — to ensure that every school is a thriving school, that prepares every student to graduate from high school ready for college, career, and community. We welcome applicants who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.
The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. We have a simple but bold vision — to ensure that every school is a thriving school, fostering the growth of every student so they graduate from high school ready for college, career and community.
Our strategy is captured in our strategic framework , and centers on three major goals: that all children achieve academically, that our schools are places where children and adults thrive, and that our Black youth excel at school. To achieve this vision, we seek to retain staff in all positions, who are committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. Staff who will actively contribute to our ongoing commitment to making MMSD a thriving, welcoming environment for all students, families and staff.
We firmly believe in and are here to create a work environment that is challenging and rewarding, while supporting employees in their career path. We strive to provide, encourage, grow, and develop a talented workforce that better supports and represents the diversity of our student population. We know this vision doesn't come to life without dynamic leaders and support staff in every school.
About Our District
The Madison Metropolitan School District is the second largest school district in Wisconsin. The district serves a beautifully diverse population of more than 25,000 students. More than half are students of color. Almost half come from low income households. Nearly one third are English Language Learners, and more than 100 languages are represented in our schools. Madison schools are committed to making this district a place where every child thrives.
Purpose of the Position:
Assist in preparation of instructional materials under a teacher's direction; provide clerical support (e.g., typing, data entry, record keeping) to departments and main office.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Assist in preparation of instructional materials under a teacher's direction; provide clerical support to departments (typing, data entry, record keeping) and main office.
· Responsible for the Safe Arrival messages and updating Infinite Campus to reflect absences.
· Greet and respond to visitors, monitoring security cameras.
· Monitor student behavior and/or supervise including test taking observation, lunch supervision, hallway/playground, off-campus or gym activity.
· Maintain records and/or collect data.
· Maintain, set up, clean, sort supplies, equipment or the student physical environment.
· Other related duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:
· Ability to maintain confidentiality with student and private information
· Ability to work independently.
· Ability to communicate effectively with diverse students and staff orally and in writing
· Ability to follow written and/or oral directions and communicate clearly.
· Ability to empathize with children and remain composed and patient with difficult behavior.
· Ability to implement behavior management programs under supervision.
· Ability to maintain student confidentiality
· Ability to problem-solve effectively and efficiently
· Basic computer knowledge
· Knowledge of and ability to use various software applications. (i.e. Word, Munis, Infinite Campus)
· Positive social skills and ability to effectively communicate with both students and adults (staff and families)
· Organizational skills and task oriented
Minimum Qualifications:
· Experience in an office environment
· Minimum of at least two years experience in an office setting, preferably a school setting
· Experience with Microsoft products, Word, Excel, and Google Docs
· Experience managing social media posts and website updates
· Experience supervising students in an educational atmosphere
· Experience with Microsoft Office
· Experience working in a team environment
· Experience with school age children
· Experience with Oasys software
· Experience with Infinite Campus and ad-hoc reporting
· Skills tests for keyboarding skills will be used to consider candidates
· Candidates have an Associate’s Degree or 48 academic credits beyond high school or pass assessment taken onsite in lieu of college credits
Preferred Qualifications:
· Candidates have an Associate’s Degree or 48 academic credits beyond high school
· Fluency in Spanish and English
· First aid training
Special Education Assistant
Purpose of the Position:
This position is a support staff who assists special education teachers with providing individualized support to students with disabilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Provide instructional support and reinforcement to students in academic, behavioral and functional areas across school, community and vocational settings
· Implement curriculum and behavioral intervention strategies across environments, under the direction and guidance of a teacher and/or related services staff
· Transfers, apply adaptive devices, tube feedings, diapering, and provide bathroom assistance and mobility training
· Consistently use proper hygiene practices as prescribed by MMSD health policies
· Assist with coordination and communication activities with other staff to provide feedback regarding student performance
· Assist with data collection activities (reviewing and documenting student progress academic and behavior, etc.)
· Assist with monitoring and implementing positive behavior strategies in dealing with student behavior, physical restraint/management, implement safe space procedure and behavior intervention plans
· Provide supervision during lunch, recess, playground, hallways and field trips
· Participate in on-the-job training and district level training
· Assist with loading and unloading school buses
· Assist with preparation of instructional materials under a teacher’s direction
· Must be working with at least one scholar with an individual education plan throughout their work time, and maintain a daily schedule of support under direction from the case manager
· Other related duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:
· Ability to provide individual and small group instructional reinforcement
· Ability to work independently with students in school, community, vocational, and domestic situations under the direction of a teacher
· Ability to keep accurate student data
· Ability to work with physically aggressive students
· Ability to work with students who are nonverbal or who do not have intelligible speech
· Ability to follow teacher direction, written plans, individual education programs, and behavior intervention plans
· Ability to communicate effectively with diverse students, staff and community, orally and in writing
· Ability to maintain student confidentiality
· Ability to walk, lift (up to 50 lbs.), climb, bend, reach, and kneel
· Ability to learn and use basic computer skills (e-mail, internet, word processing)
· Must be mature, patient and compassionate when working with all students
Minimum Qualifications:
· Experience working cross-culturally and/or commitment to work toward improving one’s own cultural competence (i.e., valuing difference/diversity, recognizing personal limitations in one’s skills and expertise, and having the desire to learn in these areas)
· Department of Public Instruction Certification (License) to work with disabled children; may apply during/after offer and cost is covered by the District
· Candidates have an Associate’s Degree or 48 academic credits beyond high school or pass assessment taken onsite in lieu of college credits
Preferred Qualifications:
· Candidates have an Associate’s Degree or 48 academic credits beyond high school
· Fluency in Spanish and English
· Prior experience working in a public school setting
· Prior experience working with children who have disabilities
· Prior experience working with children who are non-ambulatory and/or nonverbal
· First aid training
· Experience using email, internet, and word processing programs
Next Steps:
· Upon submitting, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager. Based on your application materials, a hiring manager may reach out to you to schedule an interview.
· Candidates who have indicated fluency in Spanish and/or Hmong are invited to apply for our bilingual positions as well. If interested in a bilingual position, candidates would be asked to complete reading, writing, and oral language proficiency assessments.
· Ability to work under generally safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors is minimal and poses little to no risk of injury
· The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the individual so classified.
Working Conditions:
· Work may require travel to different locations within the district and to off-site meetings
· Position may require working evenings, nights, and some weekends
· School-based positions are required to be in-person unless otherwise directed by the building principal
Disclaimer: This position description is subject to change at any time. The above job description does not limit the duties and responsibilities listed above. Employees in this position may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as directed by the supervisor.
The Madison Metropolitan School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to seek a diverse and talented workforce. We encourage veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities to apply. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship. You must apply on our career page to be considered for this opportunity.