COURTNEY GORDON

Getting teachers excited about improving instruction

Known both for her enthusiasm and expertise, Courtney is a dynamic personality who makes friends fast and serves as a trusted guide to teachers across the K-12 spectrum.

With more than 10 years of experience as a Smekens literacy consultant, Courtney has the expertise to support teachers at every level of implementation.

LITERACY CONSULTANT

Ready for your school

Courtney’s ongoing study of researched best practices, paired with her rich history of helping teachers with implementation, provide the ideal background for her to offer customized on-site professional development on a wide range of literacy-related topics.
As she prepares for on-site staff development, Courtney lets the standards serve as the anchor for strategies and ideas shared with teachers. And as a former middle school teacher, Courtney has the unique ability to relate to educators at every level—from kindergarten to high school.

How to start learning from Courtney

Working alongside teachers in their own school is how Courtney spends the bulk of her time. Whether she’s leading sessions with the entire staff or fostering conversations with small groups of teachers, Courtney always leaves educators excited for her next on-site school visit.
Schedule an On-Site School Visit
On-site training and consultations allow the entire staff to learn and grow together.
Schedule Live Virtual Training with Courtney
Using Zoom video conferencing, live, face-to-face professional development for teachers is just a click away.
“Courtney keeps participants engaged throughout the day with relevant strategies which can be replicated within the classroom the next day.”

Lisa Harkness, Director of Curriculum 

Greenwood Community Schools, Greenwood, IN

“As much as I dislike meetings, etc. that take me out of the classroom and away from teaching—working with Courtney is always the opposite! I look forward to them & always walk away with amazing ideas!”

Elizabeth Hicks, Teacher

St. Luke Catholic School, Indianapolis, IN

“Our teachers and administration love Smekens and Courtney! Today’s presentation was on-point, applicable, and practical. Thank you!”
Trina Barrell, Director of Curriculum
Logan-Hocking School District, Logan, OH

“This will change the way I teach from this day forward. It’s an extremely necessary paradigm shift.”

Erin Schantz, Teacher

Bluffton High School, Bluffton, IN

“Awesome job sharing a mini-lesson! I went straight back to my class and copied it right away before I forgot any parts! Really liked how it could be transferred to different writing activities.”

Kaitlin Gawron, Teacher

Ardmore Elementary School, Addison, IL

“Everything shared was very valuable and super beneficial. Courtney helped put ALL the pieces together in a clear, organized, and helpful way. She was so fun, helpful, and engaging! These 2 days were GREAT!”

Rachel Nelsen, Teacher

St. Paul Lutheran School, Grafton, WI

Background

Working from the middle

Courtney grew up in London, Ontario where powerful experiences in her own schooling led to her passion for teaching and education.

That passion took her to Grace College in Indiana where she secured a BA in Elementary Education and landed her first teaching job at a nearby middle school. Courtney later returned to Grace as an Adjunct Professor of Education after earning her Master’s Degree from Olivet Nazarene University.

Courtney dedicated 10 years to teaching English Language Arts in grades 6-8 before pivoting to her current role as a full-time literacy consultant with Smekens Education.

Since joining the Smekens team, Courtney has worked with hundreds of schools to provide customized on-site professional development for teachers.

She and her husband, Jamey, live in Carmel, IN and have two teenage children and two very lovable wheaten terriers—Maple and Archie.

Let’s Connect

Complete the form below or call (888) 376-0448.
We are eager to help you achieve your PD goals!