Matthew Ruddy (MS Ed) is a consultant with more than 20 years of experience in community education and development; ranging from K-12 classrooms in diverse neighborhoods, graduate school teaching candidates, workshops, conferences, and building equity within teams and organizations.
He began his teaching career in September 2000, in New York City. With the help of VH1’s “Save the Music” grant, he created and led an instrumental music program for a diverse community of students and families at a public school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. He was also recognized as an Exemplary Arts Educator by the district in 2004.
In 2009, Matthew spent 4 years as a tour and production manager for bands and musicians. His work in management, logistics, accounting, and operations included a notable roster of performance groups, events, coordination, and travel within 17 countries, 115 cities, and 221 different venues.
In 2013, he began 6 years of teaching writing and literacy for vocational students at Portland YouthBuilders. Matthew served on the case management and equity teams, each focused on creating more successful and equitable outcomes for students and staff, as well as service to the community through student-led outreach and services.
He also serves as an adjunct instructor in the Graduate Teacher Education Program at Portland State University, with classes and coursework focused on Equity and Social Justice.
In June of 2019, Matthew began his work in consulting and expanded his client roster, ranging from work in DEI, as well as curriculum design that emphasizes the modern need for critical thinking and problem-solving. In each of his career roles, his primary focus on equity, and the value of collaboration has been a key ingredient to collective improvement.