Matthew Rhoads

Dr. Matthew Rhoads is an EdTech and Instructional Leader. He plays numerous roles across education, ranging from being a consortium leader for adult education schools to a university lecturer specializing in EdTech tool instructional integration. In addition, he supervises Dual Language and English Learner teacher candidates and serves as a doctoral candidate chair, guiding emerging scholars through their doctoral research. His extensive knowledge and passion for education are further highlighted through his work as a ten-time author, educational consultant, blogger, and host of Navigating Education - The Podcast. He is not only a thought leader in the field of EdTech but also a researcher committed to advancing instructional strategies integrated with EdTech and data-driven decision-making practices in education.

Dr. Rhoads' has a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, Irvine. He also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and three teaching credentials from Point Loma Nazarene University, including a Mild to Moderate Education Specialist credential and Single Subject credentials in English and Social Sciences. He also has a California Administrative Services credential. His education laid the groundwork for his diverse career, spanning from classroom teaching to EdTech consulting.

Author and Thought Leader

As an accomplished author, Dr. Rhoads has published ten books. His latest book, Crush it from the Start: 25 Tips for Instructional Coaches and Leaders focuses on how to provide instructional coaching as an instructional coach and educational leader. It outlines not only how to coach, but also important facets instructional coaches and leaders need to know such as cognitive science, EdTech integration, and infusing AI into their coaching workflow. His second most recent publication, CoTeaching Evolved, focuses on coteaching in the world of AI and EdTech, providing educators with a roadmap for integrating these EdTech and AI tools into their collaborative teaching environments. His other works provide practical strategies and insights for educators at various stages of their careers. His book Crush it from the Start: 50 Tips for New Teachers, published by School Rubric, is a resource designed to help novice educators navigate the complexities of the teaching profession. His other works, Instructional Without Boundaries: Enhance Your Teaching Strategies with Technology Tools in Any Setting and Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative Series focus on leveraging EdTech tools to amplify instructional strategies within in-person, blended, and online classrooms, emphasizing the importance of adapting instructional strategies and EdTech integrations for diverse learning environments.

Dr. Rhoads has also contributed to the conversation surrounding education in the era of online and blended learning through his publications Navigating the Toggled Term: A Guide for K-12 Classroom and School Leaders and Navigating the Toggled Term: Preparing Secondary Educators for the Fall 2020 and Beyond, published by Peter Lang International Publishing. These books provide guidance to teachers and school leaders on how to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of K-12 education, with a focus on the shift between in-person and remote learning.

Teaching and Classroom Innovation

Dr. Rhoads began his teaching career in high school classrooms, working with students in Mild to Moderate Special Education in subjects such as English Language Arts, Social Sciences, and Math. His experience in inclusive co-taught classrooms and self-contained special education settings gave him a strong foundation of instruction and the importance of accessibility in education. Throughout his teaching career, he has integrated EdTech tools to enhance amplify student learning, engagement, promote collaboration, and streamline formative and summative assessment.

Research and Professional Development

As a researcher, Dr. Rhoads has focused on the efficacy of data practices among educational leaders, examining how they use data to drive decisions and foster a data-driven culture within their schools and districts. His research explores the practical applications of data in improving educational outcomes and the role of leadership in establishing effective data practices to support data-driven decision-making.

In addition to his research, Dr. Rhoads has extensive experience leading professional development (PD) initiatives for K-20 educators. He has provided training on EdTech tools and research-based instructional strategies to teachers and school leaders within adult education, universities, to faculty and students, and K-12 districts. His professional development sessions emphasize practical strategies for integrating technology into instruction, supporting new and seasoned teachers. He also provides professional development focused directly on coteaching and instructional coaching.

Moreover, Dr. Rhoads has consulted with major EdTech companies. His ability to bridge the gap between instructional practices and technology has made him a sought-after consultant and speaker at educational conferences, where he presents on topics such as EdTech integration, instruction, instructional coaching, data-driven decision-making, supporting early-career teachers, and co-teaching.

Expertise

Edtech Tools Integration with research-based Instructional Strategies, Instructional Coaching, Co-Teaching, Education Data Techniques/Practices and Applications, Teacher and Educational Leader Data-Driven Decision Making, Professional Development Best Practices, School Improvement & Systems Thinking, and Special Education.

Hobbies/Personal Life 

In his free time, Dr. Rhoads loves playing basketball, working out, going out to new restaurants, and traveling while spending time with his wife and two puppies.

Awards

2020 San Diego CUE Technology Innovator of the Year