How To Become a Math Interventionist: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a math interventionist, including education, skills, salary and more.
Math interventionists work with students who are struggling in math. They assess students’ needs and create individualized plans to help them improve their math skills. If you are interested in helping students succeed in math, then becoming a math interventionist may be the right career for you. In this article, we discuss what math interventionists do, the steps you can take to become one and the average salary you can expect to earn.
What Does a Math Interventionist Do?
A math interventionist is a teacher who provides specialized instruction to students who are struggling with mathematics. The goal of a math interventionist is to help students catch up to their grade level and avoid falling behind. Math interventionists typically work with small groups of students or one-on-one.
Some of the duties of a math interventionist include:
- Assessing students to identify areas of weakness
- Planning and implementing lessons to address specific areas of need
- Monitoring student progress and adjusting instruction as needed
- Collaborating with other teachers to share best practices
- Communicating with parents about student progress
- Maintaining accurate records of student progress
- Administering standardized tests
- Participating in professional development activities
Math Interventionist Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a math interventionist is $54,075. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and geographical location.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects for math interventionists will grow at an average rate over the next decade. This is due to the increasing emphasis on early childhood education and the need for specialized interventions for students with learning disabilities.
How to Become a Math Interventionist
Here are several steps you should take to become a math interventionist.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in math, education, or a related field
A math interventionist must have a bachelor’s degree in order to teach. A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is the most common degree for this career, but you can also major in education with a concentration in mathematics or another related field such as statistics or computer science.
While pursuing your undergraduate degree, take courses in calculus, linear algebra and differential equations. These will help prepare you for teaching high school math. You should also take courses in educational theory, child development and classroom management.
2. Meet state certification requirements to teach math in grades K-12
Most states require math interventionists to be certified or licensed to teach in public schools. To obtain certification, you typically need a bachelor’s degree and must pass an exam administered by the state board of education. The exam covers teaching methods and knowledge related to teaching math at the K-12 level.
3. Gain experience teaching math in a classroom setting
After earning your teaching certification, you can begin applying for entry-level math teaching positions in public and private schools. While gaining experience as a classroom teacher is not required to become a math interventionist, it is highly recommended. Working as a classroom teacher allows you to develop the skills needed to work with students of all ages and abilities. You also learn how to manage a classroom and interact with parents and school administrators.
4. Develop strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a team
Math interventionists work in teams with other teachers, administrators and counselors to help students who are struggling with math. You must be able to communicate effectively with these colleagues and develop a plan for helping each student succeed.
You may also collaborate with parents and guardians to ensure that they understand the importance of their child’s math education and provide them with resources to support their learning at home.
5. Be patient and able to adapt your teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students
Math is a subject that can be challenging for many students, and it’s important for math interventionists to have patience when working with their students. It may take some time for students to grasp new concepts or solve problems, so it’s important for math interventionists to remain calm and encouraging throughout the learning process.
It’s also important for math interventionists to be flexible in their teaching methods. Since each student learns differently, it’s important for math interventionists to try different strategies until they find one that works best for each individual student.
6. Stay up to date on new developments in the field of mathematics education
The field of mathematics education is always evolving, with new research and developments emerging regularly. To stay informed about the latest trends in math interventionist work, it’s important to read professional journals and attend conferences hosted by your state’s department of education or local school districts.
You may also consider pursuing a master’s degree in math education to further develop your skills as an educator and give you more opportunities for advancement.
7. Join professional organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is an organization that provides resources and support to math teachers. Joining the NCTM can help you stay up to date on new developments in teaching math, connect with other professionals in the field and receive a subscription to their magazine for professional development.
