Contracted Individualized Educational Plan Writer - Specialized Student Services

Mesa USD 4; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 165,312 - 275,520; Full time

Job summary

Mesa Public Schools is seeking a contracted IEP writer to support the Special Education department by drafting individualized education plans for district teachers.

This telework role requires Arizona certification, fingerprint clearance, and evidence of highly qualified status; you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, attend meetings, and ensure compliance with IDEA and state regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate with applicable endorsements or ability to obtain licensure within 90 days.
• Master’s degree in special education, Educational Leadership, or related discipline (preferred).
• Hands-on experience drafting, reviewing, and implementing IEPs as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Direct classroom experience with students who have disabilities.
• Strong understanding of IDEA, Section 504, and related laws.
• Evidence of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including teachers, therapists, families.

Responsibilities

• Develop well-structured, clear IEPs based on evaluations, teacher input, and parent feedback.
• Ensure goals, accommodations, modifications, and services align with IDEA and state rules.
• Write measurable, achievable IEP goals tailored to individual needs.
• Maintain compliance and proper formatting across all IEP documents.
• Keep detailed records of meetings, assessments, and updates.
• Attend IEP meetings in-person or virtually and present documents.
• Review student performance data to update goals as needed.
• Guide staff and families on IEP implementation and documentation.

Skills

IEP drafting experience

IDEA knowledge

Team collaboration

Legal compliance

Data-driven goals

Telework readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university

Master’s degree in special education, Educational Leadership, or related discipline (preferred)

Tools

IEP management software

Job description

• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Employment Type

Full-time

Rate

$150.00 per completed IEP

Calendar

Certified Hourly

Benefits

• None

Job Summary

The contracted Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) writer will assist the Special Education department in writing IEPs as needed for district teachers.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop well-structured, clear, and individualized IEPs based on student evaluations, teacher input, and parent feedback
• Ensure the goals, accommodations, modifications, and services outlined in the IEP align with federal and state regulations (e.g., IDEA)
• Write measurable and achievable goals tailored to the student’s unique needs.
• Ensure that all IEP documents meet legal and procedural requirements
• Keep detailed records of meetings, assessments, and updates to the IEP along with staying updated on changes in special education laws and policies
• Attend and participate in IEP meetings (in-person or virtually) to present documents and gather feedback and act as a resource to explain IEP processes and documentation
• Review and analyze student performance data to inform the development of goals and objectives, updating goals based on progress and needs
• Provide guidance to school staff or parents on the implementation of IEPs and ensure clarity and effectiveness in the documentation
• Manage and prioritize multiple IEPs simultaneously and adhere to strict deadlines while ensuring compliance
• Advocate for the best interests of the student and ensure accommodations and supports aligned with the students’ individual strengths and challenges
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate with applicable endorsements or the ability to obtain proper licensure within 90 days of hire
• Master’s degree in special education, Educational Leadership, or a related discipline (preferred)
• Hands-on experience drafting, reviewing, and implementing IEPs as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Direct classroom experience working with students who have disabilities
• Strong understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other applicable laws
• Evidence of successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including teachers, therapists, and families
• Experience in school administration or special education coordination

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability to write clear, comprehensive and legally compliant IEPs using IEP management software
• In-depth understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and state-specific regulations
• Ability to craft measurable, specific, and achievable IEP goals aligned with state standards and individualized needs
• Strict adherence to maintaining the confidentiality of student records and sensitive information
• Willingness to stay updated on special education practices, laws, and technology advancements
• Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences, ensuring equity in IEP planning and implementation

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primary assignment will be telework and work hours are flexible
• Each candidate can determine their workload and number of IEPs to be completed each quarter
• Use of video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) for virtual IEP meetings and team collaboration
• Travel between schools within the district or to meet with external providers, if necessary

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.