Client Testimonials

Matthew Courtney has developed a step-by-step process that educators can use to establish a practical system for exploratory data analysis. This process is laid out so educators with any comfort level of data analysis can deploy the EDA process in the classroom and sustain the process over time. The system he has developed is practical, organized, and can be used individually or in a group setting. This resource is a priceless tool for beginning or veteran teachers to use when making data-driven decisions.

When I first attended a workshop event in which Matthew was the trainer only then did I realize his full potential as a “teacher” of adult learners. He was alive, he was exciting and the room was electric with engagement. Educators are a tough bunch; after all they spend the majority of their days doing just that…engaging. But Matthew had them from go. He has the unique ability to reach every learner and offer each a comfortable entry in to the learning. He is my “go to guy” simply because in every instance when the evaluations come back from presenters, he is ranked number one. At more than one instance I have overheard participants talk about how they based their whole conference attendance on seeing Matthew’s name on the agenda. Your only problem when Matthew is a speaker is having enough space available - a good problem to have.

I have had Matthew work with students at Union College many times. He is always very friendly and engaging and our students look forward to his return each semester. He is motivational and inspiring while also telling the truth and helping our students to understand the reality of the world they are entering in to. Matthew doesn’t sugarcoat reality, but his example and experience of overcoming challenges makes it seem a little less scary. We have already booked him twice for next year!

Before joining the Evidence Empowered Educator program, I was apprehensive about using research to guide my decision-making process. It felt overwhelming and outside of my comfort zone. Matthew, however, changed all of that. His coaching not only provided me with the skills I needed to navigate research effectively, but it also built up my confidence. Now, I approach research with excitement rather than fear, knowing that I have the tools to make informed, evidence-based decisions for my students. This program truly transformed my approach to education

Working with Matthew on my research project was an absolute revelation. I was grappling with a vast amount of information, unsure of how to distill it into something meaningful and actionable. Matthew's expertise in knowledge brokering helped me not only understand but truly appreciate the power of research. His insightful guidance enabled me to navigate the project effectively, and the end result was far more impactful than I could have ever achieved on my own. I can't recommend this program highly enough!

Participating in the Evidence Empowered Educator Coaching Program was a game-changer for me. Before joining, I struggled with data analysis, often feeling overwhelmed by large data sets. But under Dr. Courtney's expert guidance, I not only learned how to navigate and analyze complex data sets but also found it surprisingly fascinating. Using Excel went from intimidating to empowering, unlocking insights I didn't know were possible.

Before working with Dr. Courtney, I found the task of finding and synthesizing research for decision-making in our school quite overwhelming. Dr. Courtney's coaching program was transformative for me. His patience, expertise, and practical approach made a complex process feel manageable and even enjoyable. Now, I don't just feel confident in finding relevant research, I can also interpret it, synthesize it, and apply it effectively to our unique local context.

I was blown away by the power of his words. As a teacher leader and member of the teacher leadership movement, educators around the US are trying to create change in education, we take risks and ask questions and find solutions to problems that seem impossible. What is staggering is that Matthew did all of these things on his own. He had mentors and other educators that guided him on his journey, but he had the courage to take a risk, to be the change, to develop the solution. Matthew saw a deficit in education in the professional development realm and created an avenue that would be meaningful to all teachers. Matthew’s story is inspirational and speaks to the hearts of educators. His words ignite a spark that allow teachers to believe that they can also be change makers in their buildings, districts and beyond. He reminds us that teachers have a voice worth sharing and shows us how educators can be the change we all want to see in the teaching world.