SEA​/SEA Orchard Ridge - FTE - SY

Special Education Assistant

Orchard Ridge Elementary

Starting Compensation: $24.82 Hourly Wage (25-26 Salary Schedule)

Employment Type:

Non-Exempt

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

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.

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  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.

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 Position:
Under the direct or general supervision of a building principal or department leader and the daily direction of a Special Education Teacher or Student Services staff, the Special Education Assistant performs highly specialized work with students with disabilities across the developmental lifespan. This position adapts to the specific needs of the assigned population: fostering foundational development in early childhood, supporting academic access in 4K-12, providing necessary supplementary aids and services to follow student Individual Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Support, Regulation Plans, and coaching vocational independence in 18–21-year-old transition services.

The exact population served will vary depending on the location and assignment of the role.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Instructional Support & Academic Assistance
• Early Childhood (4K):
  Support "learning through play-based activities" by navigating centers (sensory, blocks, dramatic play) and scaffolding foundational skills like tool use (e.g., scissors, glue) and letter recognition.
• Academic Reinforcement (4K-12):
  Implement modified curriculum and intervention strategies to maximize student independence within the general education environment.
• Transition (Ages 18–21):
  Provide on-site job coaching at community work-sites. Perform task analysis to break down vocational duties into manageable steps and gradually fade support as the student gains mastery.
• Inclusive Literacy:
  Prepare adapted materials (e.g., recorded books, visual schedules, or communication boards) to…