Special Education Assistant (SEA) - Gillespie - 0.5 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Assistant (SEA) supports students with disabilities 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 member. The work is tailored to the population and assignment, which may involve foundational development in early childhood, academic access and IEP supports in grades 4K–12, or vocational independence for students ages 18–21. The position is based at Gillespie Middle School, is 0.5 FTE, and lists a starting compensation of $25.47 per hour for the 2026–27 school year. The SEA assists with instruction, positive behavior and safety supports, personal care, mobility, data collection, communication, and collaboration with school and community teams. The role may involve working in classrooms, living labs, job sites, and outdoor settings, with travel to district locations and off-site meetings. School-based positions are in person unless otherwise directed by the building principal. No supervisory responsibilities are assigned. Candidates must have an associate degree, at least 48 academic credits beyond high school, or pass an onsite District assessment in lieu of either qualification. A Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015) is required; the incumbent must hold a current license or obtain one within a timeframe determined by the District.

Requirements

Meet one of the following: hold an associate degree, have completed 48 academic credits beyond high school, or pass an onsite District assessment in lieu of those requirements.
Hold a current Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide License (1015), or obtain one within a timeframe determined by the District.
Understand special education terminology and maintain high expectations for students.
Modify and deliver curriculum materials and literacy activities as directed by a licensed professional.
Remain calm and professional in high-stress situations and implement positive behavior strategies and approved safety protocols.
Operate and troubleshoot adaptive devices, communication boards, and specialized educational software.
Perform sensitive personal care tasks while maintaining student dignity.
Accurately record academic and behavioral data and maintain student confidentiality under FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with teachers and multidisciplinary team members.
Move between classroom, community, and vocational settings while maintaining schedules.
Frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer students, potentially up to 50 pounds or more under district policy, and assist with orthopedic equipment.
Stand, walk, kneel, squat, and reach for extended periods and keep pace with students during transitions and outings.
Work effectively amid varying noise levels, lighting, and activity while remaining attentive to safety and engagement.
Recognize changes in students’ physical health or emotional state and promptly alert the appropriate supervisor or medical staff.
Follow health and sanitation policies, including using PPE when necessary.
Safely assist students with the physical requirements of bus loading and unloading and field trips.
Participate in ongoing training on safety protocols, medical updates, and inclusive instructional strategies.
Use manual dexterity to operate office or medical equipment and handle small instructional tools.

Responsibilities

Support play-based learning and foundational skill development for early childhood students, including tool use and letter recognition.
Implement modified curricula and intervention strategies to support academic access and student independence in general education settings.
Provide job-site coaching for students ages 18–21, break vocational tasks into manageable steps, and fade support as students gain mastery.
Prepare adapted literacy and instructional materials, such as recorded books, visual schedules, and communication boards.
Support and monitor positive behavior strategies, behavior intervention plans, safe-space procedures, emotional regulation, and district-approved safety protocols.
Supervise students during lunch, recess, field trips, bus loading and unloading, classroom activities, and community work experiences.
Adapt physical and social environments to promote student belonging and engagement.
Maintain active supervision, monitor student safety, recognize early signs of behavioral or medical distress, and intervene or alert appropriate staff as needed.
Provide personal care, including dressing, eating, diapering, toileting, bathroom assistance, and tube feedings or medication administration according to health plans.
Assist with student transfers and adaptive equipment, and coach students in using communication devices to express their needs.
Follow sanitation and personal protective equipment protocols.
Record objective data related to IEP goals, developmental milestones, behavior logs, and vocational transition measures as directed by teachers.
Contribute to family and team updates through notebooks, home-to-school folders, or electronic logs while maintaining FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality.
Collaborate with teachers, occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and external agencies, and provide feedback on modifications.
Prepare sensory materials and organize classroom, learning, or vocational environments.
Coordinate and carry out daily travel schedules for community-based instruction and work-site rotations.
Build collaborative relationships with business partners.
Attend district and school functions supporting district initiatives and values, complete required training, and perform other duties as assigned.