Cindy Kososki
Waco
Summary
Experienced educator and faculty collaborator with over 22 years of experience across K–12, higher education, and professional development settings. Doctorally prepared in Special Education with expertise in autism spectrum disorder, significant cognitive disabilities, transition planning, and evidence-based instructional practices. Extensive experience teaching adult learners, mentoring educators, collaborating with universities, and delivering grant-funded professional learning. Committed to preparing future educators through inclusive, research-informed pedagogy and community-engaged scholarship.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Specialist
Education Service Center Region 12/Texas Education Agency
06.2018 - Current
- Collaborate with higher education institutions to deliver coursework to regional educator cohorts through both face to face and online formats.
- Develop and lead professional development for K–12 educators, offered in both face-to-face and online formats.
- Provide instructional coaching in evidence-based practices related to autism, low-incidence disabilities, and behavioral interventions.
- Support state-level special education initiatives through grant services, implementation of TEA-directed plans, and data reporting to the Texas Education Agency.
Special Education Teacher
Robinson ISD
Robinson
06.2012 - 06.2018
- Mentored early-career special education teachers, providing guidance in instructional practices, classroom management, and compliance with individualized education programs (IEPs).
- Designed and delivered differentiated instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and low incidence disabilities, aligned with individualized goals and learning profiles.
- Applied a range of evidence based practices (EBPs), including the use of Braille, sign language, and assistive technology, to support diverse learning needs.
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to promote positive behavior and student engagement.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, including speech language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, vision specialists, and deaf/hard of hearing educators to support student development.
General Education Teacher 3-5
Robinson ISD
Robinson
06.2004 - 06.2018
- Created curriculum and lessons based on the dynamic needs of students.
- Served as grade level representative.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to inform district level curriculum decisions.
Education
Doctorate of Education - Special Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02.2024
Master of Special Education - Differentiated Instruction
Concordia University
Austin, TX05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Baylor University
Waco, TX12.2003
Skills
- AI tools (grammarly, Gemini, ChatGBT)
- Digital Literacy
- Digital Citizenship
- Canvas
- LMS
- ESC Works Management System
- Google Suite Tools
- Microsoft Office 365
- Zoom
- Teams
Affiliations
- Council for Exceptional Children, 03/24, present
- Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, member
- Teacher Education Division, member
- Council of Administrators of Special Education, 03/24, present
Certification
- Autism Circuit Academy Endorsement, 03/22, Texas Education Agency
- Crisis Prevention Intervention, 06/18, present, Certified Instructor
- Texas Teaching Certificate, 03/12, present, Special Education (EC-12)
- Texas Teaching Certificate, 12/03, present, Elementary Education (1-8)
Professional References
- Janeia Vorderkunz, M.Ed. RPED #1950, Educational Diagnostician, Special Education Dept., Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports, ESC Region 12, 254-297-1282, jvorderkunz@esc12.net
- Monica Johnson, M. A. LPC, School Psychologist Education Specialist, Transition, Behavior for Students with Disabilities Education Service Center Region 12, 806-662-6653, monica.johnson@esc12.net
- Scott Perez, BCBA, Campus Behavior Specialist, 830-660-4775, Perez.Scott@gmail.com
Community Service
- Robinson ISD Education Foundation, Robinson, TX, VP of Grants and Programs, 2024-present, President, 2019-2024, Board Member, 2017-2019
- Shriners Children’s, Waco, TX, 05/19 - Present, Volunteer
- Northwest Optimist Club, Waco, TX, 05/19-present, Volunteer
References
- Karie Livengood, M.S., Special Education Teacher, S.C. Lee Junior High, 931-220-6716, livengoodk@ccisd.com
- Celissa Jackson, Contact Center Specialist 2, Baylor Scott & White, 254-722-6479, celissamichelle@gmail.com
Presentations
- Adapted Books for Students with Complex Access Needs, Teachers of Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities, 06/25, Texas Education Agency
- Autism 101 in the Early Childhood Classroom, Early Childhood Conference, Region 12, 06/25
- Membership/Belonging/Importance of Peers, Early Learning Least Restrictive Environments for AU Series, 09/25
- Adapted Books for Students with Sensory Processing Disorders, Region 5 Education Service Center Autism Conference, 03/25
- Supporting Students with Diverse Needs in ALL Settings, Gateway College Preparatory School Staff Development, 01/25
- Autism 101, Belton ISD Keynote Speaker, Paraprofessional Academy, 07/24
- Restricted Interests as Motivators for Improving Academic Success, Texas State Autism Conference, 06/24
- Adapted Books: Multi-Sensory Considerations, ESC 6 Special Education Summer Series 2024, 06/24
- Autism in the Early Childhood Classroom, Week of the Young Child Conference, ESC Region 12, 04/24
- Autism 101, Recharge Conference, Belton ISD, 02/24
- Intro to Applied Behavior Analysis, Sam Houston State University Autism Research, Spring 24/Fall 23
- Show me the Data, Texas State Autism Conference, 06/23
- Sensory: What I Need or Don’t Want and WHY!, Early Childhood Conference, ESC Region 12, 06/23
- IEP Quality & Rigor, Robinson ISD Summer Summit, 06/23
- Multi-Sensory Books for Students with Complex Needs, Region 5 Education Center Autism Conference, 04/22
- Visual Supports in the Early Childhood Classroom, Early Childhood Conference, ESC Region 12, 06/21
- Functional Behavior Assessments, Texas Tech Center for Autism and Training Center Grant Project, 10/19
Professional Development
- Active Learning for Students With Complex Access Needs, 06/18, present
- Alternate State Assessments
- Autism 101
- Autism and Evidence Based Practices
- Autism: Building a Strong Academic Foundation in the Classroom
- Autism: Building a Positive Behavior Foundation in the Classroom
- Classroom Management: Back to the Basics
- Data Collection Strategies for Beginners
- De-escalation and Non-violent Crisis Intervention
- IEPs for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
- Inclusive Settings and 504 Accommodations
- Structured Classrooms, Organization, and Visual Supports
- Transition Planning for Students in Special Education
- Technology Related Skills
- AI tools (grammarly, Gemini, ChatGBT), Digital Literacy, Digital Citizenship
- Canvas, LMS
- ESC Works Management System
- Google Suite Tools
- Microsoft Office 365
- Zoom
- Teams
Timeline
Special Education Specialist
Education Service Center Region 12/Texas Education Agency
06.2018 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Robinson ISD
06.2012 - 06.2018
General Education Teacher 3-5
Robinson ISD
06.2004 - 06.2018
Doctorate of Education - Special Education
Walden University
Master of Special Education - Differentiated Instruction
Concordia University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Baylor University