Special Education Assistant (SEA) - East - 0.284 FTE - 26-27 SY

About the role

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking a Special Education Assistant to support students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan. This position works closely with Special Education Teachers and Student Services staff.

Responsibilities

• Support "learning through play-based activities" in early childhood programs.
• Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies in 4K-12 settings.
• Provide on-site job coaching for students aged 18-21 at community work-sites.
• Prepare adapted materials and assist with daily living support tasks.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide feedback on student performance.
• Coordinate daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or completion of 48 academic credits beyond high school.
• Pass an onsite assessment offered by the District in lieu of meeting one of the requirements above.
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015).

Qualifications

• Understanding of special education terminology and high expectations for all students.
• Ability to modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional.
• Behavioral support and de-escalation skills, including remaining calm and professional during high-stress situations.
• Assistive technology proficiency, including operating and troubleshooting high- and low-tech adaptive devices.
• Personal care competency, including performing sensitive personal care tasks and maintaining student dignity.
• Data accuracy, skill in recording objective academic and behavioral data, and maintaining strict student confidentiality under FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
• Interpersonal collaboration, ability to communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team (OT, PT, SLP, and teachers).
• Environmental navigation, ability to transition smoothly between classroom, community-based, and vocational settings.
• Physical strength and mobility, ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students (often up to 50 lbs or more depending on district policy).
• Sensory awareness, ability to work in environments with varying noise levels, lighting, and activity, while remaining focused on student safety and engagement.
• Observation and monitoring, ability to recognize subtle changes in a student’s physical health or emotional state and alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff immediately.
• Hygiene and safety compliance, commitment to following strict health and sanitation policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
• Transportation assistance, ability to safely assist students with the physical requirements of loading and unloading school buses and navigating field trip environments.

Skills

• Inclusive practices
• Instructional adaptability
• Behavioral support & de-escalation
• Assistive technology proficiency
• Personal care competency
• Data accuracy
• Interpersonal collaboration
• Environmental navigation
• Physical strength & mobility
• Sensory awareness
• Observation & monitoring
• Hygiene & safety compliance
• Transportation assistance

Benefits

MMSD offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

$24.82 hourly wage (25-26 Salary Schedule)

Schedule

Non-exempt employment type