Courtney conducts literature searches relevant to state and federal education policy and education development opportunities and writes policy briefs for distribution to local, state, and federal officials. Prior to joining McREL, Courtney spent two years as a research and program assistant for an international organization working to enhance educational infrastructure in East Africa. Courtney holds a master’s in international human rights from University of Denver and a bachelor’s in psychology and English from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.