Dr. Courtney Hayes serves as a senior research analyst at Insight Education Group. She supports all aspects of Insight’s research and data analyses, including the development of reports, white papers, and case studies. She also collects data to measure the impact of Insight’s partnerships on students, educators, schools, and districts. In addition, she supports the research, development, and submission of proposals for new partnerships and federal grant applications. Courtney began her career as an early childhood educator in the Washington metropolitan area. After becoming a licensed reading specialist, she transitioned into the international context. She served as a Kindergarten program coordinator at an American school in Spain, as well as as a literacy liaison for a cohort of literacy leaders in Barcelona and Madrid. In addition, Courtney has also received awards for her teaching at the university level, earning several outstanding teaching awards for her courses on children’s literature.
Courtney holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s Degree in Literacy Leadership for Diverse Schools from George Mason University, and a dual specialization PhD in Literacy(ies), Culture, and Reading and International Education. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research Methods from George Mason University.
Courtney believes that early childhood is a critical time for diversity learning. Through her research, she discovered that teachers have the power to promote equitable classrooms by prioritizing representation and providing mirrors, windows, and doors for students in their literacy classrooms. Her dissertation on teachers’ selection and use of multicultural children’s literature to foster equitable classrooms was nominated for GMU’s 2023 Outstanding Dissertation Award.