Special Education Teacher (Cross Categorical) - Schenk - 0.5 FTE - 26-27 SY

MMSD is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants with a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning.

About the Role

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving a 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 over 100 languages are represented. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision to ensure every school is a thriving school where all children achieve academically, thrive, and graduate ready for college, career, and community.

Responsibilities

• Use standards (CCSS, SELS, Language) to identify common learning targets that represent what all students should know, do, and understand.
• Use knowledge of students’ background, interests, culture, language, individual needs, and assessment data to inform planning.
• Develop daily and weekly plans to support student growth toward mastery of standards.
• Create common year-long/course plans that identify essential questions and resources to support student learning.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects and communicate those objectives to students.
• Instruct students individually and in groups using various teaching methods (lectures, discussions, demonstrations) to build engagement, collaboration, and independence.
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Provide daily opportunities for students to describe reasoning, share explanations, make conjectures, justify conclusions, and negotiate meaning.
• Plan formative assessments to show evidence of learning and use multiple ways to check for student understanding.
• Clarify, reteach, or adjust instruction based on assessment data.
• Provide meaningful feedback that reinforces effort, recognition, and progress in learning.
• Facilitate teacher-to-student, student-to-student, and student-to-teacher feedback (oral and written).
• Analyze data and adjust instruction based on student achievement, observation, and teacher practice data.
• Establish rules for behavior and maintain order among students.
• Meet with parents/guardians to discuss student progress, priorities, and resource needs.
• Collaborate with staff to support student learning (e.g., team planning, co-teaching).

Position Competencies

• High Expectations for Every Student: Demonstrate through actions and words that every student can achieve high standards, with a commitment to excellence and equity.
• Quality Instructional Practice: Plan and execute rigorous, engaging lessons with scaffolds, interventions, and extensions to meet diverse learning needs.
• Cultural Competence: Understand systems and beliefs that may lead to inequitable outcomes and adapt instruction to meet each student’s needs while linking content to student experiences.
• Data Proficiency: Use data beyond standardized assessments to diagnose learning needs and differentiate instruction.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with peers to reflect on student achievement and teacher practice data to improve instruction.
• Student & Family Engagement: Build relationships with students and engage families as full partners in their children’s education.
• Resilience & Results Orientation: Persist in the face of challenges and find excitement in overcoming them.
• Self-Awareness & Growth Mindset: Reflect on strengths and growth areas and seek mentors to improve.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (official transcripts required for employment).
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) teaching license in Special Education.
• Applications are considered on a rolling basis; fully licensed applicants are prioritized.
• If unlicensed, candidates must obtain and maintain the necessary license(s) for the position (applications must be on file within 30 days of employment).
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Hmong may qualify candidates for bilingual positions (proficiency assessments required).

Working Conditions

• Work may require travel within the district and to off-site meetings.
• Position may require evenings, nights, and some weekends.
• Hybrid work flexibility may be available for certain positions (discussed during interviews).
• School-based positions are primarily in-person unless otherwise directed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Involves walking, sitting, stooping, or reaching.
• Manual dexterity for operating office equipment.
• May require being stationary for extended periods.
• Work in various indoor and outdoor environments, including inclement weather and spaces without air conditioning.

Pay

Minimum annual compensation: $53,525 (26-27 TE Salary Schedule).

Schedule

Length of contract: 192 days. Employment type: Exempt.