The Happy Math Interventionist

I have 14 years of experience at the elementary level. My first four years were in fifth grade, three years in fourth grade, one year in a third/fourth grade split classroom, and, six years as a math interventionist. I am trained in Math Recovery and am proud to say I have been certified as a Math Recovery Intervention Specialist. I service students in both a tier II push-in and a tier III pull-out intervention model. What makes me most happy is when I am called on to assist new and experienced classroom teachers with curriculum planning, pacing, team-teaching, coaching, differentiation, assessment/unit creation and data collection/analysis.

Begin with assessing students' current level of understanding and take it from there! The best thing about elementary math is that it can be entirely hands-on. I can't think of a standard that can't be brought to life with real world problem solving and manipulatives. Being a math interventionist and working with the most at-risk students, I incorporate a lot of mnemonic devices, videos and songs into my teaching whenever possible. Be sure to start students at a level where they have success and stagger challenging and less challenging problems so they do not give up. I am in love with learning targets for better focus of the students and the teacher as well. Teaching is a very complex job and I am up for the adventure and the challenge!

I am a certified Math Recovery Intervention Specialist (MRIS) and am also certified in Math Recovery (AVMR I and II). I am honored to be part of a group of teacher bloggers, authors and sellers. I have a lot to learn and they inspire me!

In addition to being certified as a Math Recovery Intervention Specialist, I hold a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Oakland University, with minors in math and social studies and a Masters of Educational Studies, Curriculum and Leadership, also from Oakland University. In addition to my formal studies, I have attended many conferences and have done a great deal of personal research in the area of teaching math to elementary students.

I have been married for 26 years and am the mother of two grown children, Robyn and Anthony. I also have many furry babies, Micah who I walk faithfully 12 months of the year at the local state parks and hiking trails in the beautiful state of Michigan, and my cat collection of Mimsy, Archie, Eli and Oliver. I love to write, socialize with other teachers, play cards, and binge watch Netflix.