Special Education Teacher (Cross Categorical) - Sherman - 1.0 FTE - 26-27 SY

Middle School Operations position at Sherman Middle School.

About the Role

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants who demonstrate a good attitude, willingness to learn, and passion for impactful work and learning. MMSD is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, with a bold vision to ensure every school is a thriving school that prepares every student for college, career, and community.

MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive. Our strategy focuses on three major goals: all children achieve academically, schools are places where children and adults thrive, and Black youth excel. We seek staff who actively contribute to creating a welcoming environment for all students, families, and staff.

The district serves over 25,000 students from diverse backgrounds, with more than half being students of color, nearly one-third English Language Learners, and over 100 languages represented.

Responsibilities

• Use standards (CCSS, SELS, Language) to identify common learning targets representing what all students should know, do, and understand.
• Develop daily and weekly plans to support student growth toward mastery of standards, using knowledge of students’ backgrounds, interests, and needs.
• Create common year-long/course plans that outline essential questions and resources to support learning.
• Establish clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these to students.
• Instruct students individually and in groups using varied teaching methods (lectures, discussions, demonstrations) to build engagement, collaboration, and independence.
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
• Provide daily opportunities for students to describe reasoning, share explanations, make conjectures, and justify conclusions.
• Plan formative assessments to show evidence of learning and adjust instruction based on data.
• Use multiple methods to check for student understanding, clarify, reteach, or adjust instruction as needed.
• Provide meaningful feedback to reinforce effort, recognition, and progress in learning.
• Facilitate teacher-to-student, student-to-student, and student-to-teacher feedback both orally and in writing.
• Analyze data and adjust instruction based on student achievement, observation, and teacher practice.
• Establish and maintain rules for behavior and procedures to ensure an orderly classroom.
• Meet with parents/guardians to discuss student progress, priorities, and resource needs.
• Collaborate with staff to support student learning, including team planning and co-teaching.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (official transcripts required for employment).
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) teaching license in Special Education (required for formal employment).
• Applications are considered on a rolling basis, with preference given to fully licensed candidates.
• Unlicensed candidates may be considered but must obtain a One-Year License with Stipulations from DPI (hired by a district first).

Skills

• High Expectations for Every Student: Demonstrate commitment to excellence and equity for all students, aligned with MMSD’s vision.
• Quality Instructional Practice: Plan and execute rigorous, engaging lessons with scaffolds, interventions, and extensions to meet diverse learning needs.
• Cultural Competence: Understand systems leading to inequitable outcomes and adapt instruction to meet each student’s needs, 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 education.
• Resilience & Results Orientation: Persist in the face of challenges and maintain a results-driven mindset.
• Self-Awareness & Growth Mindset: Reflect on strengths and growth areas, and seek mentorship to improve.

Pay

Minimum annual compensation: $53,525 (based on the 26-27 Teacher Exempt Salary Schedule).

Schedule

• Length of contract: 192 days.
• Employment type: Exempt.
• May require travel within the district, off-site meetings, and occasional evenings, nights, or weekends.
• School-based positions are primarily in-person unless directed otherwise by the building principal.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a generally safe environment with minimal exposure to environmental risks.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Requires walking, sitting, stooping, reaching, and manual dexterity for operating office equipment.
• May involve extended periods of being stationary or working in varied indoor/outdoor environments, including inclement weather and spaces without air conditioning.