Special Education Teacher, IEP Writer - Hutchinson, MN

Special Education IEP Writer

Hutchinson Public Schools is seeking two special education teachers focused on IEP writing for the  school year and beyond. The special education IEP writer serves as a specialized member of the special education department assigned to support the district's special education programs. The IEP writer is responsible for developing high-quality, legally compliant individualized education programs (IEPs) for students receiving special education services within their assigned grade levels.

Working collaboratively with case managers, multidisciplinary teams, related service providers, administrators, and families, the IEP writer transforms evaluation data, progress monitoring, and team recommendations into comprehensive IEP documents that are educationally meaningful, legally defensible, and compliant with Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requirements and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This position promotes consistency in IEP development, supports compliance, and allows special education staff to devote more time to direct student services.

Responsibilities include:

• IEP Development
• Develop comprehensive, individualized, and legally compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that accurately reflect evaluation results, student performance, progress monitoring, parent and student input, and IEP team decisions.
• Prepare all required components of the IEP, including Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFPs), measurable annual goals, special education and related services, accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, assistive technology, transportation, transition planning (when applicable), participation in statewide assessments, and all other required documentation in accordance with IDEA, Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requirements, and district procedures.
• Ensure all IEP documentation is educationally meaningful, internally consistent, data-driven, and aligned with the student's disability-related needs and educational programming.
• Revise and finalize IEP documents following team meetings, ensuring all decisions are accurately reflected in the final IEP.
• Collaboration
• Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate annual IEP team meetings in collaboration with families, school staff, and related service providers.
• Collaborate with special education teachers, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, administrators, social workers, behavior specialists, and general education staff to gather information and ensure high-quality IEP development.
• Seek clarification when recommendations or documentation are incomplete, inconsistent, or require additional supporting information.
• Ensure parent concerns, student strengths, preferences, and educational needs are accurately reflected in the IEP.
• Compliance
• Ensure all IEPs comply with IDEA, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 125A, Minnesota Rules, and district procedures.
• Monitor annual review timelines and support timely completion of required documentation.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance before finalization.
• Assist administrators in identifying and correcting documentation concerns to support district compliance.
• Maintain the confidentiality of student educational records in accordance with FERPA and district policies.

Candidates should hold a special education licensure from the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) or contact the district for licensure options. The salary range for this position is $49,048.00 per year - $91,357.00 per year. Salary is dependent upon education and experience. These positions will work 183 days per year, 8 hours per day.

Benefits include:

• Paid personal days
• Sick leave
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability
• VEBA plan with employer contribution
• Retirement plan with employer contribution (TRA & 403B)

Please submit your online application 423.org/employment, job #2426. Include a cover letter, resume, college transcripts, three current letters of recommendation, and your MN teaching license file folder number. Questions? Contact Karrie Taylor, Director of Special Services, lor.