Mr. Matthew Woods is an exceptional school leader. My utmost respect and admiration for Matt has developed over the last year as we have worked together on several projects. Currently, I serve as Superintendent for the Ithaca City School District, in Ithaca New York. Matt has done much to contribute to the successes of young people and adults in the organizations he has worked as well as in many other school districts he has influenced. Matt has facilitated conversations and led district-wide initiatives that have contributed to culture shifts and increased student achievement. His exceptional leadership of Student Support Services in his current school district includes revamping equity initiatives, implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), shifts to guidance services, enhancements to student graduation and dropout prevention.
Mr. Woods’ amazing inter-personal skills along with his deep understanding of teaching and learning have been important for a local and national education network that has grappled with significant cultural and pedagogical shifts due to a health pandemic. I’ve participated in and listened to the conversations amongst education leaders that he courageously facilitates and posts for others to consume via his nationally recognized podcast, “Leading Out the Woods”. I am very fortunate to collaborate and learn with Matthew Woods. I look forward to supporting his efforts to continue his professional growth as he is a special talent that will influence the policy, cultural, and instructional shifts needed for public education for many years to come. It has been refreshing to work with such a wonderful teacher, leader, and person.

I am writing to recommend the educational consulting services of Matthew Woods. Matt is laser focused on student success. He places children at the forefront of every conversation and considers the whole child in every decision that he makes. Matt is a solution finder that makes certain that outcomes will be long-lasting and effective rather than merely temporary. His knowledge and attention to detail make Matt the perfect consultant for any school division seeking to improve student outcomes and teacher effectiveness. I feel confident in recommending Matt’s consulting services. He is not only thorough but also easy to work with and always willing to take the time to discuss and respond to questions and concerns.

I have had the honor of teaching right across the hallway from Woods. (He taught my very energetic 9th grader and KEPT HIS ATTENTION and kept him ENGAGED! LOL) Several years later we found ourselves working together as principal and assistant principal. He being the younger and me being the elder, he was MY principal and I was HIS assistant. What a visionary! He is always working, always improving, and always thinking. They always say "you play better when you're around better competition." Woods made and still makes me a better educator and leader. He challenged my thinking and encouraged me to go for more. Now I'm sitting in the seat he vacated...I have huge shoes to fill, but I'm grateful for his friendship, his guidance, his encouragement, and his genuine joy of watching those around him succeed.

Mr.Woods is without a doubt one of the greatest assets in education out there. I was fortunate enough to have him as a supervisor during my final year of undergraduate study in the Middle Grades Education program at the University of Georgia. Although not officially my evaluator on paper, Woods served as a liaison between my professors and me as well as a guiding light during my quest to finish my degree. His passion for educational equity, reform, and leadership are all evident within his extensive line of work both on and off paper. Mr.Woods was always there to lend a helping hand through a framework supported by several key qualities ranging from professionalism and ethical behavior to innovation and inquiry. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Mr.Woods, and look forward to collaborating with him in both the near and distant future.

Matthew is as innovative and dynamic as educational leaders come. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor during my own journey from the classroom to administration. The impact he has had on my leadership values and practices has been profound. I owe a great deal of my success to his tutelage and guidance.

Matt spoke this year to all of our administrative staff in Roanoke County Public Schools. He was so positive and energetic. Matt was able to address some difficult issues without stepping on toes or making people feel uncomfortable. His presentation focusing on relationships was very well received by all.