Intervention & Specialization

Intensive intervention, student success, connecting research and practice
Add+VantageMR Logo

About Math Recovery® Specialist Courses

Math Recovery® Specialist provides the deepest level of professional development and support available through the US Math Recovery Council®. These intensive, blended-learning professional development experiences includes continual cycles of instruction, reflection, and refinement resulting in a high level of expertise in mathematics intervention and Math Recovery® specialization.Math Recovery® Specialist is offered in a two-part series:

  • Math Recovery® Specialist, Part 1 (MRSp1): Intervention and Specialization in Number Learning for the Primary Grades
  • Math Recovery® Specialist, Part 2 (MRSp2): Intervention and Specialization in Number Learning for the Intermediate Grades

Math Recovery® Specialist is a rigorous course that provides intensive professional development that develops intervention teaching experience and highly specialized knowledge in Math Recovery® content, assessment, and teaching. A two-part series is available for those wishing to extend their learning to include both primary and intermediate grades. Each course contains several days of face-to-face training, independent learning activities, active work with students throughout the year, collegial team meetings, and 1:1 coaching from a US Math Recovery® professional.

Through the intensity and depth of these professional development trainings, the Math Recovery specialist is able to precisely diagnose student levels of understanding and design instruction to implement intervention in 1:1 or small group settings.

"This intensive course has allowed me to learn more about mathematics than any other professional development course in my 20 year career. I feel equipped to support the range of learners in my school with appropriate assessments and instruction."

Lauren Nitti, Course Participant
Aspen, CO
Kids Learning Math
"This intensive course has allowed me to learn more about mathematics than any other professional development course in my 20 year career. I feel equipped to support the range of learners in my school with appropriate assessments and instruction."

Lauren Nitti, Course Participant
Aspen, CO

Math Recovery® Specialist, Part 1

Intervention and Specialization in Number Learning for the Primary Grades

No prerequisites required
MRSp1 includes the assessment and teaching topics of addition and subtraction, structuring numbers, number word sequences, numeral identification, and conceptual place value. The MRSp1 course length is typically 9-12 months. After completion of this course, participants are well prepared for providing targeted intervention students and are a valuable resource for supporting school- or district-wide initiatives.
Course Includes:
  • Collegial Team Meetings
  • eLearning Modules
  • One-on-One Coaching
  • MRSp1 Teacher Handbooks
  • Five Assessments
  • Four Course Texts
  • On-going Support Options Available
Attend A Course Plan A Course

Math Recovery® Specialist, Part 2

Intervention and Specialization in Number Learning for the Intermediate Grades

Math Recovery® Specialist, Part 1 is a prerequisite.
MRSp2 expands on Part 1 and includes the assessment and teaching topics of higher decade addition and subtraction, addition and subtraction to 100 and multiplication and division. The MRSp2 course length is typically 6-9 months. After completion of this course, participants are well prepared for providing targeted intervention students and are a valuable resource for supporting school- or district-wide initiatives.
Course Includes:
  • Collegial Team Meetings
  • eLearning Modules
  • One-on-One Coaching
  • MRSp2 Teacher Handbooks
  • Four Assessments
  • One Course Text
  • On-going Support Options Available
Attend A Course Plan A Course

Who are these courses recommended for?

The Math Recovery® Specialist courses are recommended for:

  • teachers providing intervention
  • teachers who work within schools or districts as a whole in which students are not meeting grade-level expectations teachers providing access to grade-level content for students
  • instructional coaches or leaders who are supporting mathematics instruction would benefit from this professional development
  • teachers working in special education

Educators are recommended, though not required, to have three years of teaching experience.

Math Recovery® Specialist is the pathway to developing local leadership and sustainability. Certification in Math Recovery Specialist, Part 1 is a prerequisite for leadership courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to host a Math Recovery® Specialist course?

To host a course Math Recovery® Specialist, Part 1 (MRSp1) or Math Recovery® Specialist, Part 2 (MRSp2), please contact courses@mathrecovery.org. We are limited to the number of courses we can host every year. Selection of sites is based on several factors (i.e. geographical region, number of participants, adequate training space, etc.).

How long does designation for Math Recovery® Specialist take?

For both MRSp1 and MRSp2, it is recommended that teachers complete their requirements for designation in one school year. If additional time is needed, teachers can work with their instructor to determine a plan for completion. There may be additional fees associated for those taking more than one year to complete.

What kind of work and long-term projects are part of Math Recovery® Specialist?

Evidence of student and teacher growth is an important component of the Math Recovery® Specialist course experience. Teachers engage daily in working with students to apply Math Recovery assessment and instruction. Each course includes projects that help show evidence of a teacher’s reflection and understanding of Math Recovery assessment and teaching. Teachers build a portfolio of assessments and complete an end of the year project to highlight learning and growth throughout their specialist experience. After initial designation, recertification requirements are required every three years to maintain Math Recovery Specialist designation.

What if a participant needs to miss a day of the professional development?

Attendance at all virtual meetings and face-to-face days is required for these professional development experience.


Photography by Rebecca Zenefski