Meet Matthew Courtney (Ed.D.)

With over 10 years of experience in education, research consulting, and policy advising, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge and an entrepreneurial spirit to Grad Coach. His unique blend of skills in both qualitative and quantitative research, paired with his commitment to continuous improvement, make him an invaluable asset to any project.

Matthew’s passion for helping students succeed is evident in his work, from mentoring over 100 educators to delivering a TEDx talk on research utilization. His approach is rooted in self-efficacy and metacognitive theories, enabling him to understand students’ challenges and coach them toward success through deep, reflective questioning.

Quick facts

  • Methodologies: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
  • Collection methods: Interviews, observations, surveys
  • Analysis methods: Thematic analysis, content analysis, discourse analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics, social network analysis
  • Research interests: Education, leadership, continuous improvement, policy analysis
  • Software expertise: R, Excel, Word, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office

Experience

Matthew has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. As a Policy Advisor for the Kentucky Department of Education, he developed research-driven protocols for evidence use in school improvement initiatives. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. He also founded a research consulting firm where he provides training and speaks on the practical applications of research. Throughout his career, Matthew has taken pride in working closely with educators, stakeholders, and legislators to navigate complex policy issues and improve educational outcomes.

Qualifications

Matthew holds an Ed.S. from Eastern Kentucky University and an Ed.D. from the University of the Cumberlands. He also has a Master’s in Education and a Bachelor’s in Music. In addition to his formal qualifications, Matthew holds numerous professional certifications, including endorsements for teacher leadership, instructional supervision, and principal eligibility. Matthew’s blend of research expertise, policy insight, and leadership experience equips him to guide students through complex research challenges while helping them build the confidence they need to succeed.

Want to work with Matthew?

Book a no-obligation consultation consultation with Matthew to discuss how he can help you.