Cynthia Dieterich

Dr. Cynthia Dieterich is experienced as a researcher and practitioner in both regular and special education in private and public settings. She completed her doctoral degree in special education and psychometrics at Kent State University.

Previously, she was a research consultant for various educational institutions in Ohio and Virginia. She served prior faculty appointments as a tenured associate professor at Cleveland State University. In addition, as a faculty member at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, Dieterich taught doctoral, master’s and undergraduate courses in psychometrics, special education, early childhood education and urban education. She has received university and state grants to support her work in special education and teacher preparation.

Her publications appear in medical, legal and educational journals such as Journal of Law and Education, West’s Education Law Reporter, Brigham Young University Education and Law Journal, Journal of Disability Law and Policy in Education, NASSP Bulletin, Journal of Special Education Leadership, Children’s Health Care, Pediatric Dermatology, American Annals of the Deaf, Teacher Education and Special Education, American Secondary Education, Journal of Educators Online, and International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning. She co-authored a book, "Legal Issue in Special Education: Principles, Policies, and Practices," as a practitioner’s guide for teachers and school administrators to navigate special education law and policy issues.

Dieterich’s multidimensional scholarship includes work in special education law, teacher education, online instruction, functional behavioral assessment, young children with hearing impairments, young children with hemangiomas, and health-related services in special education. Her research has been cited in peer-reviewed medical, law and education journals. Her legal work has also been referenced in court cases, including the United States District Court, M.D. Tennessee, Nashville Division and United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.