Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin
Special Education Instructional Assistant jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated in public K-12 school districts, charter schools, and county-operated special education programs, with steady demand from entry-level paraprofessionals through experienced assistants supporting complex behavioral and learning needs. The busiest hiring markets are Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, where large employers such as Milwaukee Public Schools, Madison Metropolitan School District, and the Green Bay Area Public School District maintain ongoing openings. The most sought-after specialties include autism spectrum support, applied behavior analysis paraprofessional roles, and assistive technology implementation. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Position Title:
Instructional DesignerJob Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Instructional & Media DesignerJob Duties:
The Instructional Designer provides strategic leadership and expert consultation and development to faculty and academic units in the College of Community Engagement and Professions ( CCEP) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) in the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of high-quality learning experiences. As a faculty-facing role, this position serves as a consultant and develop er o f pedagogy, course design, assessment, accessibility, and instructional innovation across face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities. The Instructional Designer participates in cross-functional initiatives related to CCEP institutional teaching and learning strategy.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Faculty Partnership & Pedagogical Consultation and Development
Serve as a primary, faculty-facing instructional design consultant and developer , partnering with instructors to design, redesign, and enhance courses and curricula.
Facilitate collaborative course design processes that respect faculty expertise while guiding evidence-based instructional decisions.
Partner with faculty on learning objectives alignment, instructional strategies, assessment design including for purposes of data collection relate d to program accreditation , and student engagement.
Support faculty adoption of inclusive, learner-centered, and active learning pedagogies.
Promote and facilitate the development and incorporation of Open Educational Resour ces in colla boration with UWM Libraries , etc .
Leadership & Program Support
Lead instructional design initiatives aligned with CCEP priorities (e.g., online program development, general education reform, teaching excellence initiatives ).
Develop and maintain instructional design standards, templates, best-practice guidelines , and course and program maintenance and re-invigoration schedules .
Contribute to long-term planning for instructional design services and academic innovation.
Course & Curriculum Design
Apply advanced instructional design frameworks (e.g., backward design, learning sciences, Universal Design for Learning) to course and program development.
Guide faculty through course mapping and curriculum coherence at the program level.
Ensure course designs meet internal quality standards and external frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters™ or comparable rubrics).
Oversee review and continuous improvement of existing courses based on data , feedback , and meeting accreditation standards and competencies .
Faculty Development & Scholarly Teaching
Design and facilitate workshops, institutes, and /or communities of practice focused on teaching effectiveness and course design.
Create faculty-facing resources, guides, and exemplars related to pedagogy, assessment, and instructional technology.
Support the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning ( SoTL ) through course design inquiry and assessment practices.
Learning Technology Strategy
Provide guidance on the effective use of instructional technologies, Canvas , digital media tools, and educational software.
Partner with IT, librar ies , and accessibility services to select, integrate, and evaluate emerging technologies that enhance teaching and learning.
Support the development of high ‑ quality online , blended , and in-person learning experiences consistent with institutional standards .
Accessibility, Equity & Compliance
Lead the application of accessibility standards (e.g., W eb C ontent A ccessibility G uidelines ), Universal Design for Learning , and inclusive teaching practices.
Consult and partner with faculty on designing and developing accessible course materials and learning activities that ensure compliance with federal, state, and university requirements, including ADA, copyright, and academic integrity standards.
Promote equitable learning experiences that support diverse student populations.
Assessment & Continuous Improvement
Collaborate with faculty and academic leaders on course- and program-level assessment strategies.
Analyze learning data, course evaluations, and other evidence to inform instructional improvements.
Prepare reports and recommendations for academic leadership on CCEP teaching and learning initiatives and strategic priorities .
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Applies project management principles to course or media design such as defining project scope, establishing milestones, and tracking progress
- Provides pedagogical consultation services for instructors and staff on instructional toolsand technologies, best practices for digital instructional content, and institutional initiatives
- Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with instructors and other academic staff to advance excellence in teaching and learning
- Trains and supports instructors and staff to leverage technology and teach implement pedagogy effectively
- Works with campus partners across pre-production, production, and post-production stages of media development for implementation in courses and other campusinitiatives
- Reviews courses, media, or other learning products for quality using industry standardsand accessibility best practices
- Creates and maintains documentation on pedagogy, course or media design, templates, instructional technologies, and curates a library of shareable resources
- Designs and develops learning activities and course content using instructional technologies to foster inclusive and equitable student experiences
College: College of Community Engagement & Professions
Department: Student Services
Target Salary: $65 ,000 - $75,000 Annual, actual hiring salary dependent on skills and experience related to the position
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
At least one year experience with Canvas learning management system.
At least two years experience in instructional design.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated success in faculty-facing consultation and partnership.
Significant experience in instructional design or faculty development in higher education.
Advanced knowledge of instructional design theory, learning sciences, and assessment.
Experience leading projects or initiatives, and mentoring others.
Strong facilitation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Core Competencies
Faculty consultation and academic partnership
Instructional design leadership and development
Pedagogical innovation and scholarly teaching
Accessibility and inclusive design leadership
Strategic planning and project management
Collaboration and influence without authority
Work independently and effect ively as well as part of a team
Work Environment & Expectations
Highly collaborative, faculty-centered academic environment.
F lexible to accommodate faculty needs and academic calendars.
This position will not only facilitate others but will be responsible for develop ing course and curricul um designs, etc. t o meet program priority deadlines for accreditation, the launch of new programs , etc.
The work of this position will be performed primarily on-site, at UWM’s main campus.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are required to apply online and submit the following:
Cover Letter
Resume
PLEASE NOTE: Resumes and CVs will need to be uploaded to the same area in the application.
In instances where the Search and Screen is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.
Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.
The last day to submit your application is Sunday, August 2.
Contact Information:
Adam Garcia - HR Coordinator
garci289@uwm.edu
Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy , UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/ , or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
See All 15 Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin
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Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Instructional Assistant Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education instructional assistant jobs across Wisconsin.
- Associate degree or 60 college credits meeting Wisconsin paraprofessional requirements under ESSA
- Experience working directly with students with disabilities in a school or therapeutic setting
- Familiarity with Individualized Education Program goals and documentation processes
- Ability to implement behavior intervention plans under the supervision of licensed staff
- Strong communication skills for collaboration with special education teachers and families
- Completion of district-specific paraprofessional training or onboarding program upon hire
Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education instructional assistant in Wisconsin?
To become a special education instructional assistant in Wisconsin, you must meet the federal paraprofessional qualification standard under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which requires either an associate degree, at least 60 college credits, or passing a formal assessment of knowledge and skills. Wisconsin school districts verify this requirement directly, and many large districts such as Milwaukee Public Schools and Madison Metropolitan School District use their own onboarding assessments. No separate Wisconsin state license is required for the paraprofessional role itself.
Which companies hire special education instructional assistants in Wisconsin?
Companies currently hiring special education instructional assistants in Wisconsin include Uline, Eau Claire Area School District, and Madison Metropolitan School District, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Wisconsin's public school districts, cooperative educational service agencies, and county human services departments are among the most consistent sources of openings for this role statewide.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most special education instructional assistant jobs?
Madison, Milwaukee, and Kenosha have the most special education instructional assistant openings in Wisconsin. Milwaukee leads because of the size and enrollment of Milwaukee Public Schools and the concentration of county human services programs, while Madison's openings are driven by Madison Metropolitan School District and the presence of Cooperative Educational Service Agency 1, and Green Bay reflects the large student population served by the Green Bay Area Public School District in the Fox Valley region.
Are there remote special education instructional assistant jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they're rare. Special education instructional assistant work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct, in-person support for students with disabilities in classroom and therapeutic settings. About 29% of special education instructional assistant openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions are almost exclusively limited to roles involving remote academic tutoring or tele-support services rather than traditional paraprofessional duties.
How can I get hired as a special education instructional assistant in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to Wisconsin public school districts as a substitute paraprofessional or classroom aide, which most large districts including Milwaukee Public Schools and Waukesha School District use as a pipeline into full-time positions. Candidates with a background in childcare, residential support work, or youth program coordination are competitive for these roles. Completing a Cooperative Educational Service Agency orientation course or earning a CPR and first aid certification before applying gives candidates a concrete edge at the interview stage.
Where can I find and apply to special education instructional assistant jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to special education instructional assistant jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current Wisconsin openings from school districts, county agencies, and other employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and credentials, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 15 Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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