JANET KUCHINSKI
Florence
Summary
Dynamic educator with over 26 years of experience in public and private education, specializing in exceptional leadership and innovative support as a Special Education Specialist. Committed to fostering collaborative relationships with teachers, staff, and stakeholders while advocating for diverse learners and enhancing inclusive practices. Proven track record of driving positive change within progressive school districts, ensuring all students receive the support needed to thrive. Passionate about creating an inclusive educational environment that empowers every learner to reach their full potential.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Specialist
Florence City Schools
01.2025 - Current
- Provide district-level leadership and consultation for special education programs serving preschool through high school, supporting administrators and school teams with complex IEP development, behavioral programming, and student service coordination.
- Lead implementation of district behavioral support systems, including coordination of school-based behavior triage teams, collaboration with the district BCBA, and development of function-based behavior intervention and sensory regulation plans for students with complex needs.
- Oversee implementation and staff support for specialized intervention programs, including TeachTown and Math 180, ensuring effective instructional practices and data-driven intervention for students with disabilities.
- Design and deliver professional development and coaching for special education teachers and paraprofessionals focused on evidence-based instruction, behavioral intervention, crisis prevention, and inclusive practices.
- Coordinate district behavioral infrastructure initiatives, including RBT certification tracking and support, Safety Care training implementation, and cross-school collaboration to strengthen staff capacity in supporting students with behavioral and developmental needs.
Regional Autism Network Constituency Board (RAN)
University of Alabama at Birmingham
06.2020 - Current
- Appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to the RAN Board on June 6, 2020, with a second term from 2024-2026
- Engaged in the annual RAN conference, quarterly state meetings, and focus groups alongside state leaders and representatives
- Actively contribute to statewide initiatives and collaborative discussions to advance regional educational goals
Special Education Teacher/Chairperson
Coldwater Elementary School
08.2014 - 05.2025
- Skilled in instructional scaffolding and creating individualized learning plans tailored to student needs
- Demonstrates advanced behavior management strategies and student engagement techniques
- Provides mentorship to staff, paraprofessionals, and JSU student interns
- Proficient in data management and educational software, including AIMSweb, PowerSchool, Brolly, Google Workspace, Behavior Insights, LETRS, and Apple-certified as a teacher
- Sought-after presenter on behavior management and autism spectrum disorders
- Builds strong, positive relationships with parents to support student success
Adjunct Instructor
Jacksonville State University
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Autism methods course instructor for special education teacher candidates.
Early Childhood Instructor/Co-Evaluator
Oxford Elementary School
Oxford, AL
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Developed and implemented early childhood program services, co-teaching three- to five-year-old students
- Conducted eligibility assessments and supported transitions from early intervention to school-based settings
- Co-authored and secured a grant to acquire materials for a new classroom
Educational Consultant and Trainer
Oxford City and Cleburne County Schools
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Delivered services for school systems involved in due process cases, including classroom observations and tailored recommendations
- Conducted teacher training and provided discrete trial instruction to support student learning outcomes
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Private Therapist
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Executed a discrete trial home program for a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts
- Employed the ABLLS (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills) to assess, document, and design instructional programs in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of therapists
Physical Education Instructor and Behavior Consultant, Early Intervention (Ages 3-5)
Harrison County MRDD
Cadiz, OH
02.2001 - 06.2002
- Delivered specialized physical education instruction for early intervention students
- Conducted Peabody Developmental Motor Scales assessments in community settings to support Child Find initiatives
- Served as a behavioral consultant for students with challenging behaviors
- Secured a grant for physical education equipment
Pilot Program Instructor-Early Childhood
Greenville Public Schools
Greenville, SC
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Launched and managed a grant-funded pilot program at a local elementary school for developmentally delayed five-year-olds
- Served as 504 Site LeaderSpecial Education instructor-Autism support
Autism Instructor
Springfield R-12
Springfield, MO
01.1994 - 01.1997
- Established and led a district-wide classroom for elementary students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, incorporating weekly community-based instruction
- Delivered homebound educational services to students at a local hospital
- Regular guest speaker at a local college, presenting on autism and disability topics
Multi-Handicapped Instructor
Carroll County Schools
Carrollton, GA
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Led instruction for a specialized, self-contained middle school classroom
- Coordinated Adaptive Physical Education in partnership with West Georgia College and co-presented at the Sharing the Wealth Conference (1995)
Education
Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership And Admnistration
Jacksonville State University
07.2026
Master of Science - Education
Jacksonville State University
01.2015
Master's Level -
Southwest Missouri State University
B.S. - Education
Jacksonville State University
01.1991
Administrator's Academy -
Aspiring Administrators Academy Cohort 1/Oxford City Schools
Certified -
LETRS (Elementary)
07.2024
Skills
- Strategic Special Education Program Leadership
- Special Education Law, Compliance & Oversight (IDEA)
- Multi-Tiered Behavioral Systems Development
- Intervention Program Evaluation & Instructional Oversight
- Professional Learning Design & Staff Capacity Building
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Crisis Prevention & Safety Training Leadership
- Data Driven Decision Making
Accomplishments
2024 Coldwater Elementary Teacher of the Year
2024 Oxford City Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year
2025 AL District VI Teacher of the Year
2025 Sweet 16 Finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year
Certification
Pursuing Class A, Instructional Leader
Class A, Early Childhood Special Education (47H) Grade Level: P-3 Early Childhood Special Education (0J4CF)
Class B, Special Education (048) Grade Level: P-12 Mental Retardation (0X7DF)
Timeline
Special Education Specialist
Florence City Schools
01.2025 - Current
Regional Autism Network Constituency Board (RAN)
University of Alabama at Birmingham
06.2020 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
Jacksonville State University
01.2019 - 04.2019
Special Education Teacher/Chairperson
Coldwater Elementary School
08.2014 - 05.2025
Early Childhood Instructor/Co-Evaluator
Oxford Elementary School
01.2010 - 01.2014
Educational Consultant and Trainer
Oxford City and Cleburne County Schools
01.2009 - 01.2010
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Private Therapist
01.2007 - 01.2010
Physical Education Instructor and Behavior Consultant, Early Intervention (Ages 3-5)
Harrison County MRDD
02.2001 - 06.2002
Pilot Program Instructor-Early Childhood
Greenville Public Schools
01.1997 - 01.1999
Autism Instructor
Springfield R-12
01.1994 - 01.1997
Multi-Handicapped Instructor
Carroll County Schools
01.1992 - 01.1994
Master of Science - Education
Jacksonville State University
Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership And Admnistration
Jacksonville State University
Master's Level -
Southwest Missouri State University
B.S. - Education
Jacksonville State University
Administrator's Academy -
Aspiring Administrators Academy Cohort 1/Oxford City Schools
Certified -
LETRS (Elementary)