Cinda Goodhope Cuthbertson Ed.D.
Pasadena,California
Summary
Cinda Cuthbertson Ed.D. is an educational leader and curriculum innovator with over 25 years of experience spanning public, private, and international school systems. As a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University, she specializes in the adoption of evidence-based instructional practices and the design of high-impact professional development. Her dual background in biotechnology research and microbiology informs her approach to secondary science education, where she has led significant initiatives in performance-based assessment and WASC accreditation data management. A recognized expert in NGSS-aligned evaluation, she serves as a CAASPP CAST item reviewer and a dedicated mentor to emerging educators.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Science Department Chair/Science Teacher
Burbank High School
Burbank, USA
01.2019 - Current
- Department Chair: Coordinated departmental meetings and PLCs to share best practices and improve strategies. Collaborated with administration on budgets and hiring for teaching positions.
- STEM Leader: Developed science curriculum aligned to standards and textbooks for biology and chemistry. Facilitated professional development sessions to enhance science assessment practices for middle and high school teachers called "Simplify 3D." CAASPP CAST item reviewer and writer.
- Teacher Mentor: District support provider for Alliant University and district induction mentor
- Taught biology, chemistry, and physics courses to diverse student populations.
- WASC Accreditation Assessment and Accountability Team Leader: Gathered information from departments and assisted in report preparation for accreditation reviews.
- Textbook Piloting Leader: Took a school lead position on district science textbook piloting implementation and data gathering.
Science Department Head/Science Teacher
Palm Valley School
Rancho Mirage, USA
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Taught AP Biology, biology, earth science, and physical science courses
- STEM Leader: Led NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) alignment and curriculum revision to bring coherence to the vertical alignment in 6-12th grades.
Interim Science Department Head/Science Teacher
Korea International School
Seoul, Korea
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Taught physics, environmental science, and biology, fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry.
- Teacher Leader: Facilitated weekly meetings to review practices and progress on initiatives to enhance student learning.
- Learning Design Leader: Developed an experiential learning unit for studying ocean microplastic pollution and environmental science techniques.
Grade Level Leader/Science Teacher
Colegio Nueva Granada
Bogotá, Colombia
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Taught chemistry, physics, life science, integrated science, and physical science.
- STEM Leader: Developed NGSS-aligned curriculum to improve student engagement and understanding in science. Secured $20,000 grant for integrating technology in science labs, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities.
- Teacher Leader: Led grade-level planning meetings to review student progress and instructional strategies.
- Learning Design: Organizer and facilitator of the grade-level experiential learning week for 6th grade students.
Science Teacher/Senior Class Advisor
Robert B. Glenn High School
Kernersville, USA
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Taught biology and environmental science.
- Teacher Leader: Planned and executed senior graduation and related events and activities, ensuring seamless experiences for students and families.
Science Extension Educator
Skyline Elementary School
Solana Beach, USA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Teacher Leader: Organized and supervised extracurricular activities, including school garden and science fair. Secured grants to enhance school garden project to bring in vermiform composting.
- Learning Design: Developed engaging interactive science activities for grades 1-5.
Laboratory Coordinator/Research Associate
Arizona State University
Tempe, USA
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Conducted independent research on purification and crystallization of bacterial photosynthetic proteins.
- Facilitated undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral research on bacterial photosynthetic systems.
- Trained junior staff in laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Managed laboratory inventory and maintenance.
- Gave weekly presentations to communicate research findings.
Laboratory Manager/Research Associate
NexBio, Inc. (now Ansun Biopharma)
San Diego, USA
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Conducted independent research on blocking influenza virus receptors on human lung tissue to advance understanding of viral interactions.
- Laboratory Manager: Oversaw inventory and procurement for 12 researchers. Managed laboratory operations, including training, calibrations, repairs, and preventative maintenance.
- Safety Officer: Monitored and enforced compliance with safety regulations as head safety officer.
Laboratory Manager
Life-flo Health Care Products
Phoenix, USA
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Major Accomplishment: Obtained CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) certification for the saliva hormone testing laboratory. Gathered data, created the necessary documentation, and implemented SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and training programs.
Education
Doctor of Education - Leadership and Innovation
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University
01-2025
Master of Education - Cross-Cultural Education
National University
San Diego, CA01-2010
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology, Chemistry
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT01-2001
Additional Graduate Coursework - Genetics, Biochemistry, Research Methodology, Photosynthetic Processes
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZSkills
- Science teaching techniques
- Curriculum design
- Curriculum mapping
- Data-driven practice
- Program evaluation
- Research methodologies
- Mixed-methods research
- Action research design
- Data analysis
- IBM SPSS, HyperResearch
- LMS proficiency
- Grant writing
- WASC accreditation expertise
- Project management
- Sustainability strategies
- DEI research initiatives
- Equity and accessibility advocacy
- Professional development programs
- Leadership skills
- CAASPP CAST involvement
- Instructional technology
Certification
- Google Project Management Certification, 2022
- California Single Subject Clear Credential K-12 with ELA in Biology / Chemistry / Physics
- Specialized training in PBL, Scientific Inquiry, and SDAIE for ELL students
Professional References
- Dr. Ying-Chih Chen, Associate Director and Associate Professor, Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation, ying-chih.chen@asu.edu
- Dr. Ray Buss, Professor of educational psychology and educational research, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University, ray.buss@asu.edu
- Dr. Robyn Anders, Director of Instructional Technology, Burbank Unified School District, robynanders@burbankusd.org.
- Dr. Paul Webster, Senior Faculty of Biomedicine & Advanced Microscopy, Oak Crest Institute of Science, p.webster@oak-crest.org
Timeline
Science Department Chair/Science Teacher
Burbank High School
01.2019 - Current
Science Department Head/Science Teacher
Palm Valley School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Interim Science Department Head/Science Teacher
Korea International School
01.2016 - 01.2018
Grade Level Leader/Science Teacher
Colegio Nueva Granada
01.2012 - 01.2016
Science Teacher/Senior Class Advisor
Robert B. Glenn High School
01.2007 - 01.2012
Science Extension Educator
Skyline Elementary School
01.2005 - 01.2007
Laboratory Manager/Research Associate
NexBio, Inc. (now Ansun Biopharma)
01.2004 - 01.2005
Laboratory Coordinator/Research Associate
Arizona State University
01.2002 - 01.2005
Laboratory Manager
Life-flo Health Care Products
01.2001 - 01.2002
Doctor of Education - Leadership and Innovation
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University
Master of Education - Cross-Cultural Education
National University
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology, Chemistry
Montana State University
Additional Graduate Coursework - Genetics, Biochemistry, Research Methodology, Photosynthetic Processes
Arizona State University