Is an interventionist a paraprofessional?

Yes, an "interventionist" often works as a paraprofessional (or paraeducator/aide) in schools, providing targeted academic and behavioral support to struggling students under a certified teacher's supervision, though sometimes a more qualified "Intervention Specialist" (with a teaching license) leads these programs; the key difference is that the paraprofessional role focuses on direct student support, while the specialist role often involves curriculum design and overall program oversight.

What is an interventionist paraprofessional?

POSITION SUMMARY: The Interventionist Paraprofessional will provide academic and behavioral support to students who require additional assistance beyond general classroom instruction.

What is another name for a paraprofessional?

Common synonyms for paraprofessional, especially in education, include teacher's aide, instructional assistant, paraeducator, classroom assistant, and simply para, all referring to a trained assistant who supports a lead professional, like a teacher. Other related terms can include assistant, aide, support staff, and aide-de-camp, depending on the context. 

What qualifications do you need to be an interventionist?

Earning a degree – A bachelor's degree in education with a focus on special education or intervention. Completing fieldwork – Hands-on student teaching placements where you apply what you've learned. Passing licensure exams – State tests that assess your teaching and subject knowledge.

What is an interventionist in a school?

Intervention Specialists teach academic, social, and life skills to secondary school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.

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Can you be an intervention specialist without a degree?

An intervention specialist position requires at least a bachelor's degree. Some require certification and completion of a teacher preparation program. These standards can vary from state to state.

Do interventionists make more than teachers?

Additionally, an intervention specialist has an average salary of $50,180, which is higher than the $47,989 average annual salary of a teacher. The top three skills for an intervention specialist include mental health, social work and crisis intervention.

Do you need a degree to be a child interventionist?

A master's degree is often required to secure employment as an early interventionist, with other important steps including attaining experience working with children with a disability and gaining a license and certification.

How do you become a certified interventionist?

To earn this credential, you must complete 315 hours of approved education, complete 255 practicum hours, pass the IC&RC Alcohol & Drug Counselor exam and complete a specific amount of supervised work experience hours, which varies based upon the type of CADC certification you wish to earn.

Are interventionists in demand?

Employment for behavior interventionists is projected to grow 22% by 2026, driven by rising demand for specialized support in education and healthcare settings. Average annual salaries range from $40,000 to $60,000, with opportunities to increase earnings through certification and experience.

Do paras get paid more than teachers?

No, paraprofessionals (paras) generally get paid significantly less than certified teachers, often earning hourly wages that can be low, even with benefits, while teachers earn higher annual salaries, though both roles face financial challenges, with paras often struggling to make a living wage. Pay for paras varies by location, experience, and education, but they typically start much lower than teachers and have limited advancement without further schooling.
 

What is the nickname for a paraprofessional?

A paraprofessional educator, alternatively known as a paraeducator, para, instructional assistant, educational assistant, teacher's aide or classroom assistant, is a teaching-related position within a school generally responsible for specialized or concentrated assistance for students in elementary and secondary ...

What is the highest paid teacher aide per hour?

The highest hourly rates for teacher's aides vary by location, but some cities like Dallas, TX, report high figures (around $63/hr on Indeed), while specialized roles or districts in California and Washington state also show high hourly wages (like ~$25/hr in Corcoran, CA, or high annual salaries in Seattle), often influenced by cost of living, district funding, and specific job titles (like IEP Aide or specialized assessor roles), with private schools and some districts paying above the national average. 

How to become a school interventionist?

Intervention specialists commonly hold a bachelor's degree in education, psychology or a related field. This foundation not only provides a basic understanding of child development and learning processes but can also prepare you for specialized training in intervention strategies.

What's the difference between a paraprofessional and an aide?

Functionally, there are no key differences between teacher's aides, assistants and paraprofessionals. While the specific job titles may differ between school districts, these roles all provide administrative and classroom support for lead teachers and share the same qualifications.

What are 5 examples of interventions?

Five examples of interventions include peer tutoring (academic support), behavior contracts (managing conduct), personalized learning plans (tailoring instruction), crisis intervention (immediate support), and nutritional plans (health-focused changes). Interventions aim to improve outcomes by addressing specific needs in education, health, or behavior through targeted strategies like one-on-one help, skill-building, or environmental changes. 

What education is needed to be an interventionist?

The qualifications that you need to become an academic interventionist include at least a bachelor's degree in psychology, child development, education, or special education and a state license. Many positions require you to obtain a state teaching license to perform interventionist responsibilities.

Is an interventionist considered a teacher?

Schools typically classify an intervention instructor as a special education teacher, meaning they receive similar wages and benefits.

What is the average salary of intervention specialists?

How much does an Intervention Specialist make? As of Jan 6, 2026, the average annual pay for an Intervention Specialist in the United States is $50,712 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $24.38 an hour. This is the equivalent of $975/week or $4,226/month.

Is being an interventionist hard?

Being an interventionist is hard. Harder than many people think. From the outside, an interventionist “has it easy.” You probably have an office instead of a classroom. You work with small groups of students instead of classes of 20 – 30.

Is a CDA certification worth it?

Yes, a CDA (Child Development Associate) certification is widely considered worth it for early childhood educators, offering better job prospects, higher earning potential, increased professional confidence, and formal recognition that opens doors for career growth and advancement into roles like head teacher or credentialed nanny, making it a valuable investment despite the cost and renewal requirements. 

What is the difference between a special education teacher and an interventionist?

While both roles aim to enhance student learning, Special Education Teachers focus on diverse disabilities, whereas Academic Interventionists address academic struggles more broadly.

What profession makes $300,000 a year?

Jobs paying $300k/year are typically high-level, specialized roles in Medicine (Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, Psychiatrists), Finance (Investment Bankers, Private Equity), Tech (Senior Engineers, Product Managers), Law (Big Law Attorneys), and Sales (Enterprise Software Sales), often requiring extensive experience or education, though successful entrepreneurs, high-end sales execs, and some skilled trades can also reach this income without traditional degrees. 

What is the 70 30 rule in teaching?

The 70/30 rule in teaching is a guideline that shifts focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered, active learning, suggesting students should be actively practicing/talking for 70% of class time, while teachers provide direct instruction for 30%. It also applies to lesson planning (70% activities, 30% content) and language learning (understanding 70% of content, focusing on improving the remaining 30%). This approach promotes deeper engagement, critical thinking, and skill application, moving beyond passive memorization. 

What is the highest paying job in early childhood education?

The highest-paying early childhood education (ECE) jobs often involve leadership, specialization, or advanced degrees, with top roles including ECE Administrators/Directors, Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and roles in curriculum/instructional design, with salaries varying greatly by location and experience, but potentially reaching six figures in leadership or specialized therapy roles. Roles like Preschool Center Director, Early Childhood Education Specialist, and Instructional Designer offer significantly higher earning potential than standard teaching roles.