Cynthia Swain
Georgetown
Summary
Proven leader in special education with expertise in effective communication and meeting facilitation. Strong problem-solving skills contribute to successful IEP meetings with minimal issues. Committed to enhancing educational outcomes for students with disabilities while ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Master/Model Teacher
Temple ISD
Temple
02.2018 - Current
- Coached new and/or struggling teachers in the math department on differentiation, IEP input and implementation, classroom management, and self-care.
- This was not a TTESS position, although I have served in that role as an assistant principal for eight years in Austin and Del Valle.
- Co-taught Algebra 1 for half a day to ensure relevance and clarity about coaching teachers to be effective with Temple students.
Manager of Special Education Dispute Resolution
Texas Education Agency
Austin
02.2005 - 11.2017
- Led a team of seven investigators responding to complaints, mediation and facilitation requests, and due process hearings (IDEA and 504) filed against Texas school districts.
- Wrote, approved, and implemented legislation, grants, and state policy related to the academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities in Texas.
- Reviewed and monitored all CPS allegations against public school staff.
- Served on various agency boards relating to vocational, health, and educational services for individuals with disabilities in Texas.
- Wrote and implemented Spedtex grant at Region 10 in Richardson in collaboration with TEA for two years.
- Provided guidance to school staff, professors, and parents regarding services for students with disabilities.
Executive Director Specialized Learning
Killeen ISD
Killeen
- Managed ARD Facilitator functions to ensure IEP compliance and alignment with student goals.
- Coordinated district-wide reorganization of special education frameworks for functional alignment.
- Collaborated with superintendent and school board to align district goals with educational standards.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for educators and support staff.
- Oversaw budget and staff allocations to optimize resource distribution across programs.
- Analyzed grievances and collaborated with legal staff on complaints and due process filings.
- Facilitated IEP team meetings, conferences, and mediations involving parents of students with disabilities.
- Audited Easy IEP data to monitor compliance with state and federal requirements.
Education
Ph.D. - Special Education Administration
University of Texas T Austin
Austin, TX04-2002
Skills
- Expert trained in facilitation and mediation
- Impartial meeting facilitator guiding decision-making with data
- Clear understanding of the role of the parents and the administrator in creating an IEP that adequately addresses the student's need for specially designed instruction
- Creative problem solver who strives to respond accurately to all parent concerns, whether or not they can be addressed through special education
- Caring meeting organizer who monitors timelines, reaches out for concerns prior to the meeting, ensures all required participants are present, and sticks to schedules as set forth in district guidelines and procedures
Timeline
Master/Model Teacher
Temple ISD
02.2018 - Current
Manager of Special Education Dispute Resolution
Texas Education Agency
02.2005 - 11.2017
Executive Director Specialized Learning
Killeen ISD
Ph.D. - Special Education Administration
University of Texas T Austin