breakthrough program

8/3/2019 Breakthrough Program

1/19

Teaching @Breakthrough

Handbook 2012


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Table of Contents

Overview [1]

The Breakthrough Model [2]

Why Students Teaching Students? [4]Who Are Breakthrough Teachers? [5]

Why Should You Teach? [6]

Teacher Commitments and Responsibilities [8]

Teacher Growth through Guidance [10]Leadership Positions [11]

A Typical Day [12]

Apply to Teach [13]

Where You Can Teach [16]Breakthrough Is Here to Help You [17]


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2012 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook

OverviewThank you for your interest in teaching at Breakthrough!

Welcometo

the

online

teacher

application.

Were

glad

youre

here,

and

we

hope

youll

join

the

Breakthrough

team

fo

anunforgettable,handsonteachingexperienceinourinnovativeeducationprogram.

You may apply for a teaching position if you are a:Highschoolstudentcurrentlycompletingyoursophomore,junior,orsenioryearwhowantstoteach

inyourhomearea. HighschoolstudentsarenotgenerallyprovidedwithhomestaysbyBreakthrough

sites.Ifyouareattemptingtoteachoutsideofyourhomearea,youmustsecureyourownhousing.To

askforahousingexception,youmustcontactlocalsitesdirectly(contactinformationisavailableonthe

SiteRosterinsidetheonlineapplication).

Freshman,sophomore,

junior,

or

senior

college

student

currently

enrolled

in

an

undergraduate

degree program. This teaching internship is designed for students without professional teaching

experience;othervolunteerandpaidpositionsareavailable for tenuredprofessionals.Pleasecontact

localsitesdirectlytohearaboutthoseoptions(contact information isavailableontheSiteRosterand

www.BreakthroughCollaborative.org). Collegeseniorsthatgraduateasemesterearlyarestilleligibleto

apply.

Before You StartYour ApplicationRead this handbook.Yourapplicationwillbereviewedinpartaccordingtoyourunderstandingoftheprogramandyourexpectations. Ifyou

dontreadthisbook,youwillmissESSENTIALinformation.

Learn more about the Breakthrough teaching experience.Breakthrough teachers spent all summer sharing their ups and downs on TeachBreakthroughs, the Breakthrough

Teacher Blog. Go to http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/blog to read this set of posts. This is a unique

internship,soyouneedtoknowwhatyouregettinginto.
http://btc-dc1/Share/Program/TEACHERS/TEACHERS/Teacher%20Application/2011%20Upgrades/For%20Applicants/Teacher%20at%20Breakthrough%20Handbook/www.BreakthroughCollaborative.orghttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/bloghttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/bloghttp://btc-dc1/Share/Program/TEACHERS/TEACHERS/Teacher%20Application/2011%20Upgrades/For%20Applicants/Teacher%20at%20Breakthrough%20Handbook/www.BreakthroughCollaborative.org


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The Breakthrough

ModelDid you know?

American students spend 80% of their waking hours out of school.*

A child from the bottom income quartile is 5 times less likely to earn a

bachelors degree by age 24 than is a child from a family in the top income

quartile.

Percentage of students enrolled in a college prep high school program

sharply decreases along socio-economic lines.

What is Breakthrough?Breakthroughisatuitionfree,6year,academicallyrigorous,outofschooltimeprogramwiththedualgoalofpreparing

highpotential,underservedmiddleschoolstudentsforthetopschool(s)intheirlocationandprovidingahandsonpre

professionalteachinginternshipforhighschoolstudentsandundergraduates.

Who are Breakthrough students?

Breakthrough

students

are

academically

high

performing,

middle

school

students

with

limited

exposure

to

excelleneducationalopportunitiesintheschoolstheyattend.Wefocusonmiddleschoolstudentsbecauseresearchshowsthat

thetransitiontomiddleschoolisassociatedwithdeclinesinacademicperformance,motivationandstudentssenseo

selfefficacy.Apositiveinterventionatthisstagecanbegamechanging.

What makes Breakthroughs summer and after-school program unique?Students are taught by a faculty composed entirely of high school and undergraduate students.With support and

supervisionfromprofessionaleducators,Breakthroughs internteachersareresponsible for lessonplanning,teaching

advising,andasmallamountofprogramadministration.

Breakthroughaims

to

change

the

conversation

about

education

by

demonstrating

that

young

people

can

take

charge

of

theirowneducationandthathighschoolandcollegestudentscantakeanactiveroleinsolvingthebiggestchallenges

facingourcommunitiesandourcountry.

*NationalAcademyofEducation(2009).TimeforLearning:ExtendedLearningopportunitiesforstudents.Mortenson,T.(2001b,Oct.).Graph

titled:BAattainmentbyage24byfamilyincomequartile.PostsecondaryEducationOpportunityGatesEducationPolicyPaper.Closingthegraduationgap:Towardhighschoolsthatprepareallstudentsforcollege,workandcitizenship.Seattle,

WA:Bill&MelindaGatesFoundation,2003.)


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Breakthrough is a year-round, long-term out-of-school time program for students.AtBreakthroughwerecognizethatmanyofourstudentsfaceobstaclestoacademicsuccessthatdonotendafterthe

summer. Therefore, our students commit to six years of formal involvementwith Breakthrough. This includes the

followingcomponents:

Summersession:

six

week,

full

time,

academically

rigorous

program.

High

school

and

college

students

handle

alloftheteachingandpartsofthedailyadministrationoftheprogram.

Schoolyear session: afterschool and/orweekend academic support sessions that extend throughout the

schoolyear.Highschoolandcollegestudentinternsteach,tutor,andmentor.

Academicadvisingandadvocacy:providedbythedirectorsandyoungteachersonanongoingbasisthrough

middleschooland intohighschool.There isaparticular focusonadvisingstudentsabouthighschooloptions

duringtheir8thgradeyear.

Support

beyond

middle

school:avarietyofopportunitiesareprovidedforstudentsthroughhighschooland

collegeacademicsupportandadvising,teachingpositions,rolesinprogramadministration,continuedsumme

opportunities,andastrongnetworkoffriendsandmentors.


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Why Students

Teaching Students?Did you know?

The United States is currently recruiting new teachers from the bottomthird

of college-bound high-school students.

Students who are emotionally connected to peers and teachers who value

learning and higher academic performance, often adopt similar values.**

Many teachers are unprepared to work with the diverse student

populations in todays schools.

Breakthrough Teachers are a model of and a support toward our student outcomes.Acrosseconomicandraciallinesthreecriticalfactorstobachelorsdegreeattainmentare1)therigorofastudentshigh

schoolcurriculum,2)his/herparticipationinacollegegoingpeergroupand3)his/herexpectationthatacollegedegree

isnecessarytopursuehis/herhopesanddreams.Breakthroughteachersarestrongstudentsthemselveswhopossessa

loveforlearning,andcandemonstratetheacademicskillsandhabitsofachievementnecessaryinthetophighschoo

and collegeprograms.At the same time, asanational voice,Breakthrough is changing the conversationaboutwho

shouldbeateacherinournationsmostunderresourcedschools.Breakthroughlaunchesourbestandbrightestyoung

peopleinto

the

fight

to

close

the

achievement

gap.

Breakthroughstudentsgrowbyknowingtheirteachers,whoarefellow learnersandeducationalmentors.Theenergy

commitment,andfocusthatthefacultybringstotheprogramareattheheartofBreakthrough.

Youth Leadership is real.WiththerecentelectionofBarackObamathecountryrealizedthepowerthatMillennialsorGenerationWecanwield

when theywork together. At Breakthroughweve known that for years and celebrate the incredible leadership o

excellenthighschoolstudentsandundergraduates.Asacommunityofyoungeducators,Breakthrough teachersbuild

amazingprogrammingfortheirstudents,realworldprofessionalexperiencesandlonglastingrelationships.

ChoicesorToughTimes(Washington:NCEE,2006)**

Hawkins,J.D.,J.Gou,K.G.Hill,S.Battin Pearson,andR.D.Abbott.2001.LongTermEffectsoftheSeattleSocialDevelopmentInterventionon

SchoolBondingTrajectories. AppliedDevelopmentalscience5(4):225236

(Delpit,L.(2001).Educationinamulticulturalsociety:Ourfuturesgreatestchallenge.InJ.H.Strouse(Ed.),Exploringsocioculturalthemesin

education(2nded.,pp.2003211).UpperSaddleRiver,NH:MerrillPrenticeHall.

Greenberg,EandWeber,K.GenerationWe:HowMillennialYouthAreTakingOverAmericaAndChangingOurWorldForever.Pachatusan.

Emeryville,CA.2008.


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Who Are

BreakthroughTeachers?Breakthrough teachers are creative, hard working, and passionate.Breakthrough teachersare talentedhighschoolandcollegestudents fromaroundthecountry.Theyare intriguedby

learningandteachingeveniftheyarenotnecessarilyplanningtobecometeachersprofessionally.

Breakthrough teachers are ALL high school & college undergrads.All applicants are students who are high academic achievers and passionate about learning and teaching. While

teachers range from sophomores in high school to seniors in college, they work closely together as equals and

colleagues.

Breakthrough teachers are active learners.Ourteachersarededicatedtocreatingarigorous learningenvironment foreachotherand theirstudents.Mosthave

never taughtbefore,butallareable to learn fromguidanceofprofessionaleducators (MentorTeachers) to foste

learninginsideandoutsidetheclassroom.

Breakthrough teachers have diverse backgrounds.ManyBreakthroughgraduateshavereturnedtotheirprogramsasteachers.Ourhighschoolteacherscomefrom loca

public,parochial,and independenthighschools.Collegestudentscome fromhundredsofcampusesnationwide.This

summer,therewillbeapproximately730teachersaroundthecountryandinHongKong.

Summer 2011 Statistics725 teachers

54% are of color3.20 average GPA

Sample of colleges Breakthrough teachers attend: Brown University, ColumbiaUniversity, Harvard University, Middlebury College, Morehouse College,Northwestern University, Spelman College, Stanford University, SwarthmoreCollege, University of Chicago, University of California - Berkeley, StanfordUniversity, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas-Austin, WesleyanUniversity, Yale University.


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The Breakthrough CommunityA sterling reputation, and thirty years of teachers and studentsBreakthrough teachershave left theirmarkon theeducationalpolicy,academic,andbusiness fieldsover the

past thirty years, and your Breakthrough experiencewill be recognized accordingly. Breakthrough Teache

AlumniareattheforefrontoftheeducationreformmovementintheUnitedStates.OurTeacherAlumnigoin

droves to top teacher training graduates schools like Stanfords STEP program.Organizations like Teach Fo

America,City

Year

and

Citizen

Schools,

actively

seek

out

our

graduating

teachers.

The

same

goes

for

the

top

innovativecharterorganizationslikeMATCHCharterPublicSchool,UncommonSchools,KIPPandYESPrep.

Financial Support for TeachersLiving expenses stipendBreakthroughestablishesaminimumstipendof$750forhighschoolstudentsand$1000forcollegestudentsin

ordertooffsetlivingexpenses. Thebasestipendvariesfromsitetosite.

Stipend enhancementsIfyouareonfinancialaid,siteshaveextrafundingtosupportyourworkwithBreakthrough. Thisishandledona

caseby

case

basis,

but

the

basic

rule

is

that

sites

try

to

provide

you

with

what

you

need.

Do

not

let

financia

concernsdiscourageyoufromapplying. Wewilltrytoaddressyourneeds.

REMEMBER:Do not let financial concerns discourage you from applying.Other individual sources for fundingMany college students in thepasthave also applied forand receivedoutside grants,workstudy funds,and

fellowshipstosupplementthe livingexpensesstipend.Askyour financialaidadvisorand/orcollegecounselo

aboutmoneythatyourschoolprovidestohelpsupportstudentswhoengage incommunityserviceduringthe

summer.Highschoolstudentsmaybeabletolookintooutsidefundingsourcesaswell.

Other Breakthrough OpportunitiesSchool Year Program tutor/teacher/mentorWhilewereaskingyou tojoinus for the summer,Breakthroughs studentsattend theprogram for tutoring

enrichment,andmentoringyearround. Thisafterschoolandweekendprogrammingofferedbysitesneedsthe

samestaffofhighschoolandcollegeteachersthatthesummerprogramdoes. Theschoolyearopportunities

varyfromsitetosite,soyoushouldcontactyourlocalBreakthroughdirectorformoreinformation.

Non-teaching positionsBreakthroughsitesofferavarietyofnonteachingpositionsduringtheschoolyearandsummersessions.These

includestudent

recruiting

and

admissions,

office

administration,

alumni

tracking,

developing

resources,

writing,

researchandmore.Contactindividualsitesforadditionalinformation.Oremail

pmann@breakthroughcollaborative.orgtolearnmoreaboutinternshipscurrentlyavailableatBreakthrough

NationalinSanFrancisco,CA.
http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliatehttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliatehttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliatehttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliatehttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliatehttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliatehttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliatemailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/locate/find-an-affiliate


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Teacher Commitments

and ResponsibilitiesThe tools of teachingAt Breakthrough, youre not an assistant or aide in a classroom youre the teacher; and academic growth is ou

numberonepriorityforourstudents.Duringyoursummerlongcommitment,itwillbeyourresponsibilityto:

LearnandpracticetheBreakthroughcommonmodelofinstructionwhichhasbeendevelopedbyapplyingfieldresearchbestpracticestoBreakthroughsuniquestudentsteachingstudentsmodel

Collaborate with Mentor Teachers by providing lesson plans for approval and incorporating their expertfeedback

Teachuptothreesectionsofoneacademicclass Participateinongoingreflectionaboutthework,thestudents,theprogram,andyourpersonalinvolvement Beanactive,positiverolemodelforthestudentsintheprogram Workwithstudentsfamiliestobestservetheneedsoftheirchildren Learnabout careerpathways into teachingandothereducation leadershippositions throughmentoringand

careerpanels

Participateinthecocurriculum(seenextpage)Academic classes are at the core of the Breakthrough day

Literature, writing, math, science, social studies.Topreparestudentswith theacademicskillsnecessaryto thrive in tophighschoolsouracademicclassesare

rigorous.Undertheguidanceofmentorteachers,Breakthroughteachersareresponsibleforplanning,teaching

andevaluatingtheirownacademicclasses.Itstypicaltoteachtwoorthreeclasses(generallythesamesubject

todifferentsetsofstudents),butdependingontheprogram,youmayteamteachaclassorteachfewerclasses

forlongerperiods.Propose and teach your own academic electives

Such as African American History, Korean Literature, and Native American Poetry.Inadditiontocorecourses,youmayalsoteachanacademicelectiveofyourowndesign.BecauseBreakthrough

coursesare

meant

to

provide

students

with

the

tools

that

they

need

to

succeed

in

acollege

preparatory

high

school,theserigorouscoursesemphasizewriting,criticalthinking,andstudyskills.Design your own non-academic electives and "mini-courses"

Such as Drama, Basketball, Piano, and Knitting.Facultymembersteachelectivesoftheirowndesignthatprovideadifferenttypeofeducationalopportunity

less traditionally academic, yet wellplanned and full of powerful learning. These classes range from

photography tobasketball, fromcostumedesign tohiphopdance,and fromchess todrama.Electiveclasses


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stretchstudentsinnewanddifferentways,providingexposuretoactivitiestheyoftendonothaveaccesstoat

schoolorhome.The Co-curriculum

What is the co-curriculum?SinceBreakthrough focusesoneducating thewholechild,eachprogramcreatesa learningenvironment that

extends

from

the

classroom

all

the

way

to

the

local

community.

This

"co

curriculum"

is

critical

to

creating

apowerfulandexciting learningenvironment.Breakthroughthrivesasacolorfulplace,filledwithstudentwork

andbustlingwithconstantbakesales,diversityworkshops,basketballcontests,poetrynights,skits,fieldtrips

anddances.TheseactivitiesareallpartofBreakthrough'scocurriculumandareessentialtothegrowthofthe

students.Youwillbeaneducatorbothinsideandoutsideoftheclassroom.

Here are some specific co-curricular responsibilities you might hold:Advising:Breakthroughstudentsentertheprogramwithdiversestrengthsandchallenges.Onemayneedadvice

abouthowtoschedulehomeworktimeinthemidstofmanychoresathome,anotherstudentmaybestruggling

withpeerconflicts,andanothermaybefeelingselfconsciousabouthernewbraces.AsaBreakthroughteacher

youmust

be

sensitive

to

the

needs

of

your

students

and

always

be

available

to

listen,

give

advice,

or

in

some

casesreferthemtosomeonebetterpreparedtohandletheirsituation.

WorkingwithFamilies:FamiliesplayanimportantroleatBreakthroughandgettingtoknowthemisoneofthe

highlightsofthesummer.Theyareamongourbestresources.Conversationsonthephone,conferences,and

"Back to School Nights" provide valuable insights into how to best work with and encourage a students

development. Regardlessofwhetherourstudentsmaybefacingchallengesathome,weexpecttheirfamilies

tocommittotheprogram.

CommitteeWork:Committeesarechairedbyandmadeupof teachers.Theyprovideopportunities to learn

aboutthe

responsibilities

of

administration

and

leadership.

Their

work

ranges

from

planning

events

such

as

Celebration, to coordinatingvisitorsandmedia inPublicRelations, tobeautifying the school through theArt

Committee. Committeework helps create in each program the vibrant and unique atmosphere thatmakes

Breakthroughspecial.

Special Events: As a teacher, you will be involved in various special events that happen at differen

Breakthroughprograms.Evenifyoudonotorganizeanevent,youwillbeinvolvedinitsexecution:runningthe

improvcontestatOlympics,leadingagroupdowntownonCityDay,DJingthedance,mastermindingaskitfo

anAllSchoolMeeting,coordinatingthe7thgradesongforCelebration,etc.

Club Leading: Clubs provide home bases for Breakthrough students, aswell as teams that take on various

challenges and competitions over the course of the summer. Two to three teacherswork together as club

leadersforagroupofapproximatelytenstudents.ClubleadersorganizeandleadtheirclubsinOlympics,Spirit

Dayandotheractivitiesthatunifyandhelpstudentslearntoworktogether.Clubleadersarealsoadvisorswho

are themost tuned into the needs of their students. The club leader is expected to be aware of students

academicandpersonalchallenges,andeitherprovideguidanceandsupport,orreferthestudentasneeded.


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Teacher Growth

through GuidanceMost Breakthrough teachers arrive in our program never having taught before. Others may never have taken an

education course. In spiteof this,weexpectour students tomake significantacademic stridesunderyour tutelage

Becausewerecognizethechallengesoftheprogram,weworktoprovideyouwithsupportthroughoutthesummer.

Teacher training weekEachprogram spendsat least five toeight long, intensivedayspreparing teachers for the summer.Teachersattend

workshops on the Breakthrough common model of instruction including instructional strategies, classroom

management,lesson

planning

and

assessment.

Teachers

rehearse

lessons

for

their

peers

and

learn

about

their

students

TheseintensetrainingsessionsareledbySiteDirectorsandMentorTeachers.

Support from professional Mentor/Master teachersDuringtrainingweek,professionalMentorTeachers(calledMasterTeachersorInstructionalCoachesatsomesites

help youplan for your classesandprepare you for theworldof teaching.After the trainingweek,mentor teachers

approveyourlessonplans,observeyourclassesandprovideongoingtrainingthroughoutthesummer;generallytheyre

yourbestresources. MentorTeachersarealsoexpectedtomakesurethatclassesarerigorous,andappropriateforou

students. Theyaretheretosupportyouwhenyoustruggle.

Faculty room resource libraryEverysitehasaresourcelibraryofmaterialsavailableforyouruse.Curriculumbinders,samplelessonplans,books,and

workbooksareallavailableforyourreviewthroughoutthesummer.

Support from your colleaguesAllprogramshavedepartmentmeetings that serveas support sessions for teachers in various subjectdepartments

During thesemeetings,mentor teachers lead thedepartment inworkshopsanddiscussions focusedon sharingbest

practices,triumphs,andchallenges.Departmentsoftenwillbrainstorm lessonplanscollaborativelyandshareteaching

strategies.Yourcolleagueswillbetalentedstudentswhoarediligentandcaring,andyouwillalllearntogether.Youwil

soonlearnwhyBreakthroughpridesitselfonitsspiritofcollaborationandteamwork. TheBreakthroughteacherblogat

http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/blogwill

be

updated

throughout

the

summer

with

dispatches

from

teachersacrosstheCollaborative. Betweenfirstyearsandveterans,somestrugglingandotherssoaring(mostaredoing

both),youllfindsupportandkindredspiritsnationwide.
http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/bloghttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/blog


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Leadership PositionsFaculty positions at Breakthrough incorporate leadership skills; there is ample opportunity to practice program

administration.

Please

be

aware

that

the

types

of

leadership

positions

vary

at

each

program.

Please

inquire

about

theleadershipoptionsatindividualsiteswhenyouinterview.

Department ChairAcademic departments are formed for each of the core academic subjects. These teams share resources andplan

lessonstogether;additionally,theyareresponsibleforadministratingregulardepartmentmeetingsandservingaspeer

mentors. Department Chairs also supervise subjectspecific activities, such as Word of theDay at allcommunity

meetingortheScienceFair. WhileDepartmentChairsaremostoftenexperiencedBreakthroughteachers,anyonewith

aparticulartalentforasubjectandaninterestinadministrationshouldindicateinterest.

Administrative/Leadership CommitteeEachprogramcreatesacommitteetohandledailyoperationsandtoestablishapositivetonethroughoutthesummer

Thestructureandnameofthecommitteevariesfromsitetosite.Thiscommittee isthebackboneofmostprograms

andhasavarietyofresponsibilitiesthatmayinclude:organizingAllSchoolMeetings,runningthefacultymeetingsand

handlingalteredschedules,spearheadinginterdisciplinarywork,overseeingeventscommittees,andgenerallysetatone

ofexcellenceandtenaciousmissionalignment.Thecommitteeworkscloselywiththedirector(s)todiscussthelogistics

ofthedayandweek.AdministrativeCommitteemembersgenerallybeginworkaweekbeforefacultytrainingandhave

lighterteachingloads.

Director of Athletics

Someprograms

have

aDirector

of

Athletics

because

of

the

athletic

programs

offered

to

the

students

after

school

Programs fosterphysical fitness foravarietyof interestand skill levels.Besidesadministrativeduties,which include

responsibility for scheduling events, caring for facilities, andmanaging equipment, the AthleticDirector encourages

studentstodevelopindividualconfidenceandcommitmenttoteamwork.

Art Director/Photo Director, Video ArtistThosewhodreamaboutmurals,papermagic,visualconcepts,andartmaniashouldconsiderdirectingtheartprogram

atBreakthrough.Artdirectorscelebratecreativity,coordinateartactivities,seethatartsuppliesarereadilyavailable

andoverseetheartfacilities.Mostimportantly,artdirectorsweaveartintoallrealmsofthelearningexperience. Photo

directorsandvideoartistsdocumenttheprogramwithpictures,slideshows,andvideos.Manysiteshavedarkroomsfo

filmdevelopment.

Video

equipment

varies

from

site

to

site.

Celebration ChairTheCelebrationchaircoordinatesandoverseesalldetailsoftheendofsummerextravaganzathatwecallCelebration

Parents,families,andcommunitymembersattendthiscombinationofgraduation,artisticandacademicperformance

andallaroundcelebrationof the incredibleworkaccomplishedby the teachersand studentsover the summer.The

CelebrationchairmusthaveaknackfororganizinglogisticsandpromotingtheBreakthroughspirit.


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A Typical DayTheday runs from7:30a.m. toabout6:00p.m. inmostprograms.However,many timesyouwill findyourhoursof

involvementtobemuchlonger.Commitmentsoutsidetheprogramaredifficulttomaintain.ManyBreakthroughalums

saythat

you

must

live,

eat,

breathe,

and

even

sleep

Breakthrough

to

be

an

effective

teacher.

Here

is

an

example

of

wht

atypicaldaymightlooklikeforaBreakthroughmathteacher:

AM

7:30-8:00 Possibilities: prepare lesson materials, respond to student essays, rehearseAll School Meeting skit. Meet buses in front of the school.

8:00-8:25 Breakfast, collect homework, attendance, and announcements.8:25-8:50 Study time. Meet with that student who is having trouble understanding

fractions in your math class.8:50-9:45 Math block. Have a student lead the class in solving homework problems9:45-10:40 Math project. Students measure the volume of the gym.10:40-11:00 Snack break with students.11:00-11:55 Math Department meeting. Mentor Teacher leads an instructional training on

how to craft a strong objective.

PM

11:55-12:25 Lunch Time! Possibilities: meet with club to discuss fundraising or help astudent with math.

12:25-1:20 Free period. Talk to study skills teacher about a student whose study habitsworry you.

1:20-2:05 Elective class. Native American History: Finish discussion of Plains Indians.Each student reads a selection from Black Elk Speaks.

2:05-2:55 Non-academic elective class. Acting: Do voice and movement warm-ups. Runthrough Scene 1 of Raisin in the Sun. Discuss character objective. Illustrateobjective with improvisational games.2:55-3:35 Afternoon activities. Join the Dance Workshop; play volleyball.

3:35-3:55 All School Meeting! Word of the Day, student presentations of learning,announcement about Culture Day.3:55-4:00 Round-up. Accompany students to get backpacks from lockers.

4:00-4:15 Buses depart. Stand at buses; wave goodbye.4:15-6:00 Faculty meeting. Announcements, discussion, reflection. Meeting can last

until 6:00 or later.

6:00 Carefully mark papers and quizzes. Complete lesson plans for the next dayfocusing on goals of students. Sleep and dream about classes.This schedule reflects that of one Breakthrough site. All sites have different schedules.The commonality among them all is a full time + commitment by all teachers.


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Apply to TeachThere is no perfect Breakthrough teacher.

Eachteacher

is

selected

for

his/her

unique

blend

of

academic

achievement,

work

ethic,

andpersonalityandadeepcommitmenttoBreakthroughsstudentsandmission. It is

precisely for this reason that the Breakthrough application contains multiple essay

questions.Pleasebesuretoplanenoughtimetocompleteallthequestions.

The Breakthrough teacher application can only be found onlineIfyouare interested in teaching,youshouldcompleteanapplicationonline.Afteryouhavecreatedausernameand

haveloggedintotheapplication,youcansavechangesandreturntoyourapplicationanunlimitednumberoftimesto

completeit.However,youmustcompleteandsubmityourapplicationbyFebruary27,2012.

http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/apply

Please Note:The selection timelinemay vary from site to site; selections typicallybegin in Februaryandsomesiteswillfillseveraloftheirpositionspriortothedeadline.Theadmissionstimeline ispostedbelow i

youhaveanyquestions,[email protected].

Final Application Deadline: February 27, 20125pm PST/6pm MST/7pm CST/8pm EST

March 26th,2012Final Notification from First Site Preference: By this date, applicants will benotified whether they have been extended an offer or not with their first choicesite some may be notified before this date.

May 21st, 2012 Waitlist Notification: By this date, applicants who have been placed onthe Waitlist will be notified whether or not they have been accepted to teach ina Breakthrough program.

YouhavetheoptiontobeplacedontheBreakthroughNationalWaitlist.Ifyourenotacceptedtotheprogram(s)towhichyouappliedtoteach,

andyouindicatedyouwouldbewillingtoteachanywhere,yourapplicationisthenautomaticallyplacedontheBreakthroughNationalWaitlist.By

indicatingontheapplicationthatyouarewillingtoteachatanyBreakthroughsite,youareagreeingtobeplacedonthewaitlistandarewillingto

beplacedaslateasMay21,2012. Youwillbenotifiedwhenyouareplacedonthewaitlistandatthatpoint,alldirectorsintheCollaborativewill

beabletoviewyourapplicationandapplicantsareselectedonafirstcome,firstservedbasis.
http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/applyhttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/applyhttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/applyhttp://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/applymailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/apply


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The application process

Complete the online application.Youwillneedtocompleteandsubmittheonlineteachingapplication. Theapplicationconsistsoffoursections:Who

AreYou?,TellUsMore,HowDoYouThink?andWhatAreYourPreferences?. Youwillbeaskedtotellusaboutyour

backgroundand

experience,

do

some

serious

reflection

on

challenging

essays,

and

make

some

decisions

about

what

role

youdliketohavewithBreakthrough. Expecttospendasignificantamountoftimehoningyourapplication. Aswith

mostonlineinterfaces,itsagoodideatodoyourworkinawordprocessorandcopypasteyouressaysintotheonline

form. Yourloginmaytimeout,andyoumayloseyourwork.

OnpagetwoyouwillfindasectionoftheApplicationentitled,GapGrant.GAPInc.haspartneredwithBreakthrough

Collaborativetosupporttherecruitment,selection,andtrainingofunderservedpopulationsinleadershipandservice

opportunities.Weconfidentiallycollecteconomicandcollegegraduationinformationtoevaluateourprogressinthis

effort.AllapplicantsremainanonymoustoGap,whichreceivesonlydemographicdatawithoutanyindividualnamesor

locations. Wethankyouforbeinghonestinyourresponses.

About the process and Online Automation.

TheBreakthroughTeacherapplicationprocess iscomplex.Applicantsarerequiredtopickat leastoneanduptofousitepreferencesofwherethey'dliketoteach.Onceyouverankedyourchoices,allofthesiteswillbenotifiedofyou

interestandwillbeabletoseeyourapplication.Anyofthosefoursitesmycontactyouforaninterview,orforanyothe

reason.(So,dontbesurprisedifyouhearfrom#3beforeyouhearfrom#1.)But,theimportantdistinctionisthis;your

2nd,3rd,or4thchoicesitesmaynotextendanofferforyoutoteachattheirsiteunlessthemorehighlyrankedsite(s)haverejectedyourapplication.Youmayhearfromothersites,andeven interview,butyouwillonlyeverreceiveoneoffefrom Breakthrough;when you receive that offer, you can be sure it is from themost highly ranked site that is

interestedin

your

application.

Inanefforttoprovidemoretransparencytoourapplicants,thisyeartheonlineapplicationsystemwillnotifyyouvia

automatedemailwhenyouarebeingmoved throughvarious stagesof theapplicationprocess.Specifically, youwil

receive emailswhen you start your application, submit your application,when your application changes ownership

(whenyour firstchoice rejectsyourappandyoursecondchoice isgrantedpermission toextendyouanoffer),when

yourapplication isplaced UnderReview forextended scrutiny, ifandwhen youhavebeenplaced in theNationa

WaitlistandwhentheNationalWaitlistisnolongeropen.Thistransparencyallowsapplicantstofeelagreatersenseof

trustintheprocessthatourdirectorsmakegreateffortstoworkthroughthoughtfully,respectfullyandefficiently.

eRecommendation Process.The deadline to enter a recommender is February 20th. Note this is one week BEFORE the application is due. Iyou enter recommender info later, it doesnt mean youre ineligible, it just means youre not giving your

recommender much time, which doesnt reflect the level of professionalism we expect from Breakthrough teachers

The Recommendation has always been a critical element of the application to teachwith Breakthrough.We use a

completelyautomatedeRecommendationprocess.Onthefinalpageoftheonlineapplication,weaskyoutoinsertthe

emailaddressandnameof thepersonyouareasking towriteyoureRecommendation.TheeRecommendation form

asksthispersontoreportonyourproficiencylevelinavarietyofcorecompetenciesthatwehavewitnessedinexcellent

BreakthroughTeachersovertheyearsincludingworkethic,leadershipqualities,communicationskills,awarenessofou

studentpopulationandacommitmenttoourmission. Whenpickingsomeonetoserveinthisroleforyoupleasemake


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sure that the person has significant knowledge of you as a person, student and/or employee. Generally speaking

recommenderswhoareteachers,professorsandworksupervisorsprovideamoreobjective(andthereforemoreuseful

referencethanfriendsandfamilymembers.

Pleasemake sure to confirmwithyour recommenderbeforeyou inserthis/heremailandname into the field in the

online application; as soon as you press save the eRecommendation form will automatically go out to the

recommender.The recommenderwill receive twoadditional reminders (atoneweekand twoweekspast the initia

email)ifs/hedoesnotcompletetheformwithinthosetimeframes.Print out your Unofficial Transcripts.

YouwillneedtohaveacopyofyourUnofficialTranscriptshandy. Youdonotneedtogetthecopyfromyourregistrars

officewiththeofficialseal. Whatyoucanprintonlineorelsewherewillsuffice. Youshouldholdontoyourtranscripts

until you are asked for an interview. Do not send your transcripts to anyone except a directorwho asks for an

interview.

Wait to be contacted by a director for an interview.

Directorswillprocessapplicationswhen theyreable todo so. Manywillattempt to fill staffpositionsearlier in the

process.However,

the

clock

doesnt

start

counting

down

on

applications

until

mid

February.

If

youre

to

be

offered

an

interview, youll be contacted. If your contact information for the spring changes, send a note immediately to

[email protected].

Something important to remember.Once you submit your application, you are not able to make any changes to your

work or your site selections. Measure twice, cut once. If you have questions that

arent answered on our website or within this handbook, feel free to send a note [email protected].
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Where You Can TeachThe choice is yours.Whenyouapply,youcanselectuptofourBreakthroughsitesfrom26citiesin16states,andHongKong.Youwillrank

thesites

in

order

of

preference

(one

being

your

highest

preference,

four

being

your

lowest

preference).

You

do

not

have to select four sitesbutmust selectat leastone. When selectingyourprograms,you should carefullyconside

individualprogramcharacteristics,suchasstudentages,teachingstructure,orspecialcourses.

Explore the Breakthrough programs.SearchtheSiteRostertolearnmoreabouteachlocation.YoumayaccesstherosterfromtheOnlineApplicationinthe

toprighthandcorner.

Pleasealsobe sure to read the SiteRoster to learnmore abouthowmany teachingpositionsare

available at the sites. Some sites receive high numbers of applications to fill a limited number of

positions,making

it

more

competitive

(particularly

in

larger

cities).

Even

if

youve

never

considered

visiting a lessimpacted city, you may find a great fit for your strengths there. Be open to new

opportunities!

Housing arrangementsIfyouchooseanoutoftownsiteanddonotalreadyhavehousingarrangedatthat location,yoursitemaybeableto

arrangeahomestay.Generallythesehomestaysallowteachersto livewiththefamiliesofstudents,teachers,orothe

friendsoftheprogram.Youmustreadthesitedescriptioninordertodetermineiftheyareacceptinghomestays. Some

sitesalsohavearrangementswithlocalcollegestoofferdormitoryhousingforstudents.

Please be sure to state your housing needs clearly on your application. Realizethat

home

stayavailabilityisgenerallylimited. Havingafriendorfamilymembertostaywithwillbehelpful!And,

behonest!Ifyoudontneedahomestay,beclear.Youdontwanttojeopardizeyourapplication.

Travel arrangementsPleasenotethatinallbutextremecases,teachersareresponsiblefortransportationtoandfromthesite.

Breakthrough Affiliate Locations (number of sites in parentheses)Atlanta, GA (2) Fort Worth, TX New Haven, CT Providence, RI Santa Fe, NMAustin, TX Hong Kong (3) New Orleans, LA Sacramento, CA Silicon Valley, CACambridge, MA Houston, TX New York, NY Saint Paul, MNCincinnati, OH Manchester, NH Norfolk, VA San Francisco, CA (SFDS)Denver, CO Miami, FL (4) Philadelphia, PA (3) San Francisco, CA (SFUHS)Fort Lauderdale, FL Minneapolis, MN Pittsburgh, PA San Juan Capistrano, CA


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Breakthrough Is

Here to Help YouMost of the questions we receive about applying to teach can be answered in this handbook. Ifyoustillneedhelp,pleasedocontactBreakthroughsTeacherNetworkSpecialistwithyourquestions.

Policies, ideas, concerns, questions, and life-after-Breakthrough:Paul MannTeacher Network [email protected]

Summer 2010 Reflection

Breakthrough has fundamentally changed my life and

the way that I view American education. I have seen

firsthand the amazing triumphs that underserved youth

can achieve when they are supported and given all of the

tools necessary for success. Breakthrough has instilled

in me a fire for education that burns deep and drives me

to fight for each of my students every day.

Adam, Breakthrough CambridgeRead similar stories at www.BreakthroughCollaborative.org/blog
mailto:[email protected]://btc-dc1/Share/Program/TEACHERS/TEACHERS/Teacher%20Application/2011%20Upgrades/For%20Applicants/Teacher%20at%20Breakthrough%20Handbook/www.BreakthroughCollaborative.org/bloghttp://btc-dc1/Share/Program/TEACHERS/TEACHERS/Teacher%20Application/2011%20Upgrades/For%20Applicants/Teacher%20at%20Breakthrough%20Handbook/www.BreakthroughCollaborative.org/blogmailto:[email protected]

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