Cynthia Mruczek

Cynthia Mruczek holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University (2014), an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University (2004), an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University (2000), and a B.S. in Psychology and Special Education from LeMoyne College (1996). Her career began in K-12 public schools in Arizona, where she served as a special education resource teacher at Spitalny Elementary School (1997-2000), fifth-grade teacher at Spitalny Elementary (2000-2001) and Sevilla West School (2001-2003), and collaborative peer teacher at Sevilla West School (2000-2001). At Arizona State University, she held positions as Curriculum Specialist for COMPUGIRLS (2009-2010), Graduate Research Assistant at the Equity Alliance (2010-2011), Assistant Director of NIUSI-LeadScape (2011-2012), and Instructor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Department of Special Education (Fall 2013–Spring 2016). She later served as Academic Program Associate and Coordinator of the Leadership in Special and Inclusive Education graduate certificate program in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Currently, Cynthia Mruczek is Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the Doctorate of Education program in Educational Leadership and Policy in the Educational Policy Studies and Practice Department at the University of Arizona, bringing nearly 25 years of teaching experience at the K-21+ level.

Dr. Mruczek's academic interests focus on teacher learning around issues of equity in classrooms and schools, supporting educators to redress equity concerns, and leading efforts to develop inclusive school communities. Her key publications include "Teacher education in practice: Reconciling practices and theories in the United States context" (European Journal of Special Needs Education, 2013, co-authored with E.B. Kozleski, T. Gonzalez, L. Atkinson, and L. Lacy), "Culturally relevant computing programs: Two examples to inform teacher professional development" (2010, co-authored with K.A. Scott, K. Clark, K. Sheridan, and E. Hayes), "Engaging More Students from Underrepresented Groups In Technology: What Happens if We Don't?" (SITE Conference Proceedings, 2010, co-authored with K.A. Scott et al.), and her doctoral dissertation "White Teachers’ Reflections on Whiteness: Documenting the Journey" (Arizona State University, 2014). She received the Outstanding Research Presentation award at the 14th Biennial International Association of Special Education Research Conference (2015) for work on perceptions of inclusive practices among teacher educators in India. Dr. Mruczek has designed and delivered professional consultative services to schools across the United States and internationally through USAID-funded initiatives.

Professional Email: cmruczek@arizona.edu