Substitute Special Education Assistant (SEA) - District Wide - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 28,947 - 41,227; Full time

Job summary

Madison Metropolitan School District is seeking a substitute special education assistant for the 2026-2027 school year to support students with disabilities in integrated settings under the supervision of a principal and a special education teacher. The role emphasizes instruction, data collection, and collaboration with teaching staff.

Qualifications include a valid Special Education Aide license, a high school diploma or equivalent, 48 credits or MTA, and MMSD NVCI training.

Qualifications

• Hold an Active Department of Public Instruction Certification (Special Education Aide License)
• Hold a high school diploma/GED/HSED.
• Hold 48 credits post high school or completed the Master Teacher Assessment (MTA)
• Must have experience working with children (ages 4 -19).
• Have completed the MMSD NVCI Training

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.
• Maintain student confidentiality, including written records.
• Assist with data collection activities (reviewing and documenting student progress both academic and behavior, etc).
• Provide supervision during lunch, recess, playground, hallways and field trips.
• Assist with loading and unloading school buses.
• Assist with preparation of instructional materials under a teacher’s direction.
• Maintain records.
• Must be working with at least one scholar with an IEP and maintain a daily schedule of support under direction from the case manager.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Instructional support

Data collection

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

48 credits post high school or MTA

Special Education Aide Certification

Job description

$25.47 - 25.47 Hourly Wage

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for openings for the 2026-2027 school year. Applicants should have a good attitude, ability to create a welcoming environment, a willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

Purpose

Under the supervision of a building principal and under the direction of a special education teacher/related services staff, a substitute special education assistant will perform work with students who have disabilities. The job duties will include: a) instruction and support to students in integrated school and community settings; b) assistance to the teaching staff.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Consistently use proper hygiene practices as prescribed by MMSD health policies.
• Maintain student confidentiality, including written records.
• 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 both 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.
• Maintain records.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Hold an Active Department of Public Instruction Certification (Special Education Aide License)
  • MMSD offers to pay the application fee if needed.
  • Required to pick up assignments.
• Hold a high school diploma/GED/HSED.
• Hold 48 credits post high school or completed the Master Teacher Assessment (MTA)
  • MMSD offers MTA for free.
• Must have experience working with children (ages 4 -19).
• Have completed the MMSD NVCI Training
  • Paid training provided by MMSD.
  • Can be completed after onboarding completed.
  • Required to pick up assignments.
• Must have the ability to walk, lift (up to 50 lbs.), climb stairs, bend, reach, extend, and kneel within the context of performing job duties.

Desired Qualifications

• Hold 48 credits post high school.
• CPR certification and/or First aid training.
• Experience using email, internet, and word processing programs.
• Fluency in English and Spanish and/or Hmong.
• Prior experience working in a public school setting.
• Prior experience working with children who are non-ambulatory and/or nonverbal.
• Prior experience working with children who have disabilities.

Position Competencies

High Expectations For Every Student: Ability to demonstrate, through actions and words, that every student can achieve high standards. Hold a commitment to excellence and equity for all students. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse students, staff and community, orally and in writing. Must be mature, patient and compassionate when working with all students.

Quality Instructional Practice: Ability to create a welcoming and safe environment for learners who have disabilities. Ability to provide individual and small group instructional reinforcement. Ability to follow teacher direction, written plans, individual education programs, and behavior intervention plans.

Cultural Competence: Ability to understand and articulate the systems and beliefs that may lead to inequitable outcomes for learners of color as well as adapt instruction to meet the needs of each student. Ability to make links between content and student experiences, perspectives, and personal goals. 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).

Data Proficiency: Ability to keep accurate student data. Ability to maintain student confidentiality. Ability to use provided tools and resources (computer, smartboard, software applications, etc.). Ability to use data beyond standardized assessments to diagnose student learning needs and differentiate instruction in the classroom.

Team Collaboration: Ability to work independently with students in school, community, vocational, and domestic situations under the direction of a teacher.

Student & Family Engagement: Ability to communicate effectively with students who are non-verbal or unintelligible, culturally-diverse students, health services staff and community partners in a professional and timely manner. Ability to initiate and build relationships with students.

Resilience & Results: Orientation: Ability to work with physically aggressive students. Ability to be on time, dependable and able to adapt to change. Ability to find challenges exciting and persist in the face of challenges.

Self-Awareness & Growth Mindset: Ability to reflect on strengths and growth areas regularly as well as seek mentors to improve. Ability to consistently follow appropriate hygiene practices as outlined in MMSD Health Policies and student’s care plan.

Hiring Process

• Review completed applications and references
  • Copy of official transcripts required.
  • Minimum of 3 (three) references. Please provide email addresses and at least 1 supervisor.
• Interview (phone or virtual format).
• Onboarding process
  • May include completing a Master Teacher Assessment.
  • May include applying for license.

Contact

Questions: Contact the MMSD Substitute Office
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

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.

In addition, we have a great compensation package. Visit our benefits page and compensation page for more information.

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.