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Madison School System Seeking Qualified Hires

Across the shoreline, school systems are finding it difficult to attract qualified applicants for some critical education and coaching positions. Although the districts vary in their needs, Madison is currently seeking qualified employees for several important jobs, including substitute teachers and para-educators.

Heather Dobson, director of human resources for the school system, said full-time teachers aren’t the issue, but rather substitutes and para-educators.

“The district has not had any issues with hiring certified teachers for open positions this year; however, the district has been challenged with finding qualified candidates for open positions as building-based substitute teachers and para educators,” said Dobson. “The district is in process of final interviews for our posted custodial openings and we hope to fill those positions within the next few weeks. The district’s greatest need is for para-educators and building-based substitutes.”

Dobson stressed several factors that will be key for any applicants: The hires must have the proper associates degree or meet the 60-hour threshold for a degree for any substitute and para-educator positions, and other jobs require a B.A. for an offer. It is also mandatory that all hires be vaccinated before starting any position with the school system.

There are numerous sports related hires needed for coaches and assistant coaches and several health and support service positions. However, Dobson said many of these positions will be filled by current staff members as the seasons approach during the school year.

“The district will normally post for seasonal coach positions. The vacancies are similar to what we see on an annual basis. The positions are usually filled by a combination of internal staff and external candidates,” said Dobson.

According to Dobson, however, the area most in need continues to be in para-education and for substitute teachers.

These crucial positions need qualified applicants to maintain the high standards that students, parents, and staff expect in Madison. Paras are a vital link in special education process by coordinating the education and care for students with special needs and maintaining educational equilibrium for a classroom.

“Para-educators provide support to certified teachers, but most especially to the students, often those students with special needs who may need extra assistance in order to achieve their greatest educational potential,” said Dobson.

Annalise Fazzina, 22, who was hired as a para-educator at Polson Middle School just before the start of the school year, said her position allows her to maintain a second job and also time for other activities after the school day. She also said her colleagues and the entire staff have been helpful.

“We get feedback every day from everyone,” Fazzina said. “Everyone is really supportive and try and help you succeed and do the best you can. The staff is very supportive to me here.”

Fazzina also stressed the importance of para-educators and the assistance they provide to the classroom.

“Some of the classrooms are big and have a lot of students, so teachers really need the support. We are not just there for one students sometimes, but to help overall,” said Fazzina. “One teacher isn’t always enough.”

Dobson said while the current hiring situation is not yet critical, there are still vital school positions that need to be filled.

“These positions are important to fill so that the schools have the support to meet the educational needs of our students in order for them to achieve their greatest educational potential. These para-educator support positions are great opportunities for candidates to explore working in an educational environment, especially if they might be interested in pursuing a future career in teaching,” Dobson said. “They are also great positions for individuals who are in process of completing their graduate degree, recent college graduates individuals looking to return to the work force after raising children, and also recent retirees.”

Anyone interested in viewing the available positions in the Madison school system can visit www.applitrack.com/madison/onlineapp.