Client Testimonials

We engaged Matthew in the review and development of a curriculum supporting linkages between research and practice. Matthew's knowledge and experiences working with a range of educators on issues related to evidence use was invaluable to helping our team think critically about and improve our program. He was a wonderful collaborator and thought partner - we can't wait to work with him again!

Matthew Courtney brought energy and enthusiasm to the topics of data and evidence-based research for the purposes of school improvement. His expertise as a researcher and as a practitioner was evident and his passion for using data to drive improvement was contagious. He was very insightful and provided information and ideas educators could easily take back to their school and implement to support their improvement efforts.

The UK College of Social Work’s OPDCE is pleased to have Dr. Matthew Courtney as one of our continuing education presenters. Dr. Courtney’s passion for and commitment to education along with his professionalism and implausible presentation skills make him an asset to the OPDCE. Dr. Courtney has the unique ability to capture and maintain the attention of those attending his presentations with his immeasurable knowledge and experience. What is exceptionally distinctive to Dr. Courtney as an educator in his ability to genuinely inspire those that attend his sessions.

Matthew is incredible. He is that wonderful combination of eminently qualified, deeply experienced, and also understanding of an audience. This allows him to approach and pick apart things that might otherwise not be accessible. It also allows you to trust his analysis and point of view. Matthew is a fantastic weapon against misinformation, fake news, and hyperbole. He is a trustworthy and friendly companion, capable of identifying underlying issues while inviting his listeners to be part of a larger solution. And he is approachable off stage, always willing to engage, learn, and further the overall conversation. He is a vital asset to any stage that he's on.

I’m the director of education for a non-profit out of Washington DC and I think coaching, and specifically coaching around data, can be intimidating for many people. Having worked with Matthew in the past I knew that he had a true gift for really helping people assess where they are, clarify their needs for the short and long term, and to really coach people in a way that takes these complex nuanced topics and breaks them down into manageable chunks. That's what we needed and that's what we were looking for and he more than came through for us on that. Honestly, without reservation, I would recommend anyone to work with Matthew. Our experience was really fruitful. Every day I see the work that we did with Matthew show up in things. Our team running a little more efficiently in our processes being a little more hammered out in a way that is really helps with not only clarity but efficiency.

I've gotten to know Matthew through our work on the Steering Committee for Education Knowledge Brokers. Based on his expertise, I asked him to be on a panel for our edWeb webinar on Research to Reality. His perspective, experience, and resources on evidence-based decision-making and action research enriched the conversation and made the webinar a success!

I've had the great pleasure of working with Dr. Matthew Courtney in the SESC Continuing Education Option (CEO) Rank Change Program where he instructs the Action Research Methods for Teacher Leaders course.

The CEO Program participants consistently share how much they enjoy the course and how pleasantly surprised they are with their professional growth as a result of their action research project. They are able to work collaboratively with other educators to embark on action research projects that address pressing issues within their own classroom or organizations, and make informed decisions based on a comprehensive analysis of the available evidence.

Importantly, the course emphasizes the practical application of research findings in real-world settings. This hands-on approach allows participants to witness firsthand the transformative power of evidence-based practices and the potential positive impact on their stakeholders.

Dr. Courtney exemplifies professionalism and authenticity. We are thrilled with the positive outcomes he is able to achieve with our CEO participants and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come!

Dr. Courtney has become my go-to expert whenever it comes to empowering educators with research skills. The way he demystifies the process of finding, understanding, and applying research is truly exceptional. Each session he has led for our educators has resulted in tangible improvements in our ability to make evidence-based decisions. His interactive, learner-centered approach keeps everyone engaged and makes learning enjoyable. The impact of Dr. Courtney's guidance extends far beyond the training sessions - we now have a team of educators who feel confident in utilizing research in their daily practices. For anyone seeking to create an evidence-informed culture in their school, Dr. Courtney is your guy.