Anticipated Start Date: August 2026

Schedule: 91-day contract per school calendar

Hours per Day: 8 hours

Salary: Placement per the teacher contract, based on education and experience + $5,000 hiring incentive

Other Compensation: Mileage reimbursement based on current IRS standard business mileage rate for staff traveling on a regular basis.

Benefits: As outlined on MAWSECO's Summary of Benefits.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Special Education Due Process Specialist collaborates with special education staff across multiple locations to support the development of evaluations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and other due process documentation in compliance with state and federal special education laws and regulations. This role conducts evaluations and reevaluations and assists with the planning, assessment, development, monitoring, and implementation of special education due process procedures within MAWSECO programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Compliance & Data: Monitors and ensures due process policies, paperwork, student records, and local, state, or federal data reporting requirements are handled accurately.

Staff Training & Support: Facilitates training, coaching, and professional development on due process guidelines for licensed instructional staff.

Program Coordination: Assists in planning, organizing, and implementing special education programs, including managing assigned budgetary and purchasing requirements.

Evaluations & Meetings: Collaborates with teams to complete student evaluations in alternative programs and conducts staff meetings to problem-solve student needs.

Stakeholder Communication: Communicates effectively and resolves conflicts with parents, staff, administrators, and the MN Department of Education regarding student and instructional needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Master's Degree in Special Education or a closely related field

Experience: Minimum of five years of classroom experience

Licensure: Valid State of Minnesota Teacher Licensure

Additional Requirement: A Minnesota driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility

Abilities: Practical experience in special education (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) is preferred

ABOUT MAWSECO

MAWSECO is an agency of seven-member school districts (Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Delano, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Litchfield, Maple Lake, and Rockford) that have joined together to provide quality services in the area of special education. We operate eight specialized educational programs, providing Federal Setting IV programming and support for students in residential care. Our mission is to provide quality special education leadership, services, and support that always meets or exceeds the expectations of those we serve. At MAWSECO, we believe each person has intrinsic value and the capacity to contribute to society.

ABOUT CORNERSTONES

Cornerstones is a Federal Setting IV special education program located at the Wright Technical Center in Buffalo, MN and managed by MAWSECO.

The program is designed to meet the needs of adolescents, grades 9-12 with emotional and/or behavioral special education needs that cannot be met within their home school district. In addition to academics, programming includes social-emotional learning classroom instruction with licensed professionals based on the individual student’s educational needs. Students are bussed by their local school district and attend school from 8:00 to 2:30 daily.

The students' IEP goals are the focus of learning. In addition, students learn skills to help students succeed and reintegrate into their home district. Programming may include services within the home school district, a work site, Wright Technical Center or a combination of options as appropriate for the student.

ABOUT EASTERN WRIGHT

The Eastern Wright Program is an intermediate level (grades 6-8) federal setting IV special education program designed to meet the needs of students who experience significant emotional and/or behavioral disabilities. The program is located in the Wright Technical Center. The primary goal of the program is to provide social skills and educational support to reduce stress and acquire skills in the emotional, behavioral, social and academic areas and return to the mainstream school as soon as possible. By reaching goals determined by the IEP team, which includes the parents, the Eastern Wright program is able to positively affect the future development and success of each student served.

ABOUT JOURNEYS

The Journeys program is located at the MAWSECO Education Center in Howard Lake and serves children with behavioral needs in grades K-4. It is a multi-district program and is managed by Meeker & Wright Special Education Cooperative.

Journeys serves young students with behavioral needs that cannot be met within their home school district. Typically, these students have not been successful in a less restrictive environment. Students receive academic classes, social and life skills which are individualized to foster learning and successful interactions with peers and adults. Most students function within the average range of intelligence, but may have learning disabilities or discrepancies in their academic achievement. Students are recommended for these services by their IEP team and with the approval of district administration.

The students reintegrate, as appropriate, back to their home school as recommended by the IEP team. Referrals are completed and submitted to the district special education coordinator and reviewed and approved by the Journeys Referral Team.

ABOUT STEP

STEP (Student Transitioning in Educational Programming) is an educational program for young adults ages 18-22 with special needs. It is a community-based special education program emphasizing work experience and independent living skills. Students are eligible for STEP if they meet the following criteria:

At least 18 years old
Currently receive special education services and have completed the 12th grade in their district
Have a current Individualized Education Plan with unmet goals in the area of transition

ABOUT TREK

Trek is a federal setting IV special education program at the MAWSECO Education Center in Howard Lake, MN designed for students who have been identified as having severe communication or neurological disorders. The target population for this program includes students Kindergarten through Age 22 who have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Developmental Cognitive Disorders and exhibit behavioral patterns which negatively affect the ability to interact with peers or adults in the regular school setting. Trek provides program solutions to effectively create an environment of successful learners.

ABOUT SHOLUND SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

Sholund School for Girls is an educational program located on the grounds of Village Ranch, Inc., a residential facility for females, licensed by the Department of Corrections. The educational program serves students from the residence as well as day students living in local communities. Students attending Sholund range from 12-18 years of age. Some students have pre-identified disabilities in the area of Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) or Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), or have other learning difficulties. School staff are experienced, and trained to educate and nurture students with these unique needs. Students who qualify for special education services have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) developed by the student’s team.

Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative (MAWSECO), ISD #938, serves as the fiscal agent and provides staff supervision, staff development and educational support. Students may be offered mainstream opportunities through the Annandale School District, or their local school district, on an individual needs basis as identified by the student’s team. Opportunities might vary from one block/hour to full-day participation.

ABOUT WINGS ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM

The Wings Alternative Program provides educational services to residents of the Wings Adolescent Treatment Center, a treatment center for chemical dependency for up to 18 adolescents 14 years and older (grades 7-12) from throughout Minnesota and from other states. Local students cannot attend this program.

ABOUT VILLAGE RANCH ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM

Village Ranch Alternative Program (VRAP) is an educational program located on the grounds of Village Ranch, Inc., a residential facility for males, licensed by the Department of Corrections. The educational program serves students from the residence as well as day students living in local communities. Students attending VRAP range from 12-18 years of age. Some of the students have pre-identified disabilities in the area of Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) or Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), or have other learning difficulties. School staff are experienced, and trained to educate and nurture students with these unique needs. Students who qualify for special education services have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) developed by the student’s team.

Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative (MAWSECO), ISD #938, serves as the fiscal agent and provides staff supervision, staff development and educational support. Students may be offered mainstream opportunities through the Dassel-Cokato School District #466, or their local school district, on an individual needs basis as identified by the student’s team. Opportunities might vary from one block/hour to full-day participation.

POSITION QUESTIONS

For specific inquiries regarding this role, please contact: Colleen Carlson, Director of Educational Programs by phone (612) 489-4082 or email ccarlson@mawseco.k12.mn.us

MAWSECO is an equal opportunity employer.

Due Process Specialist (0.5 FTE)