Teaching @ Breakthrough Handbook 2012

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]

Overview
Thank you for your interest in teaching at Breakthrough!
Welcometotheonlineteacherapplication.Weregladyourehere,andwehopeyoulljointheBreakthroughteamfor 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; other volunteer and paid positions are available for tenured professionals. Please contact localsitesdirectlytohearaboutthoseoptions(contactinformationisavailableontheSiteRosterand www.BreakthroughCollaborative.org).Collegeseniorsthatgraduateasemesterearlyarestilleligibleto apply.

Before You Start Your Application

Read 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.

2012 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook

The Breakthrough Model

Did 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 excellent educationalopportunitiesintheschoolstheyattend.Wefocusonmiddleschoolstudentsbecauseresearchshowsthat thetransitiontomiddleschoolisassociatedwithdeclinesinacademicperformance,motivationandstudentssenseof 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,Breakthroughsinternteachersareresponsibleforlessonplanning,teaching, advising,andasmallamountofprogramadministration. Breakthroughaimstochangetheconversationabouteducationbydemonstratingthatyoungpeoplecantakechargeof theirowneducationandthathighschoolandcollegestudentscantakeanactiveroleinsolvingthebiggestchallenges facingourcommunitiesandourcountry.

NationalAcademyofEducation(2009).TimeforLearning:ExtendedLearningopportunitiesforstudents. Mortenson,T.(2001b,Oct.).Graph titled:BAattainmentbyage24byfamilyincomequartile.PostsecondaryEducationOpportunity GatesEducationPolicyPaper.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 involvement with Breakthrough. This includes the followingcomponents:

Summersession:sixweek,fulltime,academicallyrigorousprogram.Highschoolandcollegestudentshandle
alloftheteachingandpartsofthedailyadministrationoftheprogram.

Schoolyear session: afterschool and/or weekend academic support sessions that extend throughout the
schoolyear.Highschoolandcollegestudentinternsteach,tutor,andmentor.

Academicadvisingandadvocacy:providedbythedirectorsandyoungteachersonanongoingbasisthrough
middleschoolandintohighschool.Thereisaparticularfocusonadvisingstudentsabouthighschooloptions duringtheir8thgradeyear.

Supportbeyondmiddleschool:avarietyofopportunitiesareprovidedforstudentsthroughhighschooland
collegeacademicsupportandadvising,teachingpositions,rolesinprogramadministration,continuedsummer opportunities,andastrongnetworkoffriendsandmentors.

2012 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook

Why Students Teaching Students?

Did you know?
The United States is currently recruiting new teachers from the bottom third 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,andcandemonstratetheacademicskillsandhabitsofachievementnecessaryinthetophighschool and college programs. At the same time, as a national voice, Breakthrough is changing the conversation about who shouldbeateacherinournationsmostunderresourcedschools.Breakthroughlaunchesourbestandbrightestyoung peopleintothefighttoclosetheachievementgap. Breakthroughstudentsgrowbyknowingtheirteachers,whoarefellowlearnersandeducationalmentors.Theenergy, commitment,andfocusthatthefacultybringstotheprogramareattheheartofBreakthrough.

Youth Leadership is real.

WiththerecentelectionofBarackObamathecountryrealizedthepowerthatMillennialsorGenerationWe canwield when they work together. At Breakthrough weve known that for years and celebrate the incredible leadership of excellenthighschoolstudentsandundergraduates.Asacommunityofyoungeducators,Breakthroughteachersbuild amazingprogrammingfortheirstudents,realworldprofessionalexperiencesandlonglastingrelationships.

**

ChoicesorToughTimes(Washington:NCEE,2006) Hawkins,J.D.,J.Gou,K.G.Hill,S.BattinPearson,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.

2012 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook

Who Are Breakthrough Teachers?

Breakthrough teachers are creative, hard working, and passionate.
Breakthrough teachers are talented high school and college students from around the country. They are intrigued by 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.

Ourteachersarededicatedtocreatingarigorouslearningenvironmentforeachotherandtheirstudents.Mosthave never taught before, but all are able to learn from guidance of professional educators (Mentor Teachers) to foster learninginsideandoutsidetheclassroom.

Breakthrough teachers have diverse backgrounds.

ManyBreakthroughgraduateshavereturnedtotheirprogramsasteachers.Ourhighschoolteacherscomefromlocal public, parochial, and independent high schools. College students come from hundreds of campuses nationwide. This summer,therewillbeapproximately730teachersaroundthecountryandinHongKong.

Summer 2011 Statistics

725 teachers 54% are of color 3.20 average GPA
Sample of colleges Breakthrough teachers attend: Brown University, Columbia University, Harvard University, Middlebury College, Morehouse College, Northwestern University, Spelman College, Stanford University, Swarthmore College, University of Chicago, University of California - Berkeley, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas-Austin, Wesleyan University, Yale University.

2012 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook

Why Should You Teach?

You'll gain a world of valuable experience, including:
Hands-on teaching experience in an innovative education program
Breakthroughs values of relentless rigor, instructional excellence, and supported empowerment are the hallmarksofeducationreformtoday.Breakthroughprogramsutilizeacommonmodelofinstructionbasedon research from the field and tailored to Breakthroughs unique students teaching students model. Teach For AmericaunderstandsthisandactivelyrecruitsBreakthroughTeacherstojoinitscorpseachyear.Grabapieceof thismovementnow.

Leadership experience
Ineveryjoborschoolinterviewyoullhavefortherestofyourlifeyouwillbeaskedabout,atimeyouwere challenged.YoureightweekswithBreakthroughwillprovideyouwiththerightanswerstothatquestion.You willbebuildingthisprogram.

Training and mentoring from professional teachers

As you take part in your first teaching experience, youll be able to lean on the expertise of the best and brightest professional mentors in town. Implementing Breakthroughs common model of instruction, youll leavewithatoolboxofteachingtechniquesandstrategies.Mentorteacherswillhelpyouwithyourlessonplans andclassroommanagement,buttheyllalsohelpyoudeterminethepathtoyourowncareerineducation.

The opportunity to make a positive impact in childrens lives

In eight short weeks, youll see change really happen. Youll have a major role in creating the valedictorians, studentbodypresidents,deanslisters,schoolprincipals,andelectedofficialsofthefuture.Youllwatchthem learntheacademicskillsnecessarytothriveatthehighestacademiclevels.

The opportunity to teach and learn with a diverse community of young educators
Youllteamupwithagroupofbrilliantpeopleyouragefromthetophighschoolsandcolleges,andwitharange ofknowledgeandexpertise.Breakthroughisanopportunitytoinspireandbeinspiredbythemostdedicated altruistsofyourgeneration!

More responsibility than youll get in any other summer program, internship, or job available to undergraduates
With Breakthrough, you will learn a lot about the field of education, but youll also be asked to change the trajectoryofachildslifeinameasurableway.Werereallyaskingyoutojumpinwithbothfeet.Evenifthat scaresyoualittlebit,wewantyoutoapplyanyway.Thisisnotforthefaintofheart,andyouwillneedtoapply with the attitude that youre ready for anything. Any teachers expecting a relaxing summer will only be disappointed.Teacherswantingtostretchthemselvesinnewwaysandfindouttheextentofwhattheyreally arecapableofwillhavethesummeroftheirlives.

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The Breakthrough Community
A sterling reputation, and thirty years of teachers and students
Breakthrough teachers have left their mark on the educational policy, academic, and business fields over the past thirty years, and your Breakthrough experience will be recognized accordingly. Breakthrough Teacher AlumniareattheforefrontoftheeducationreformmovementintheUnitedStates.OurTeacherAlumnigoin droves to top teacher training graduates schools like Stanfords STEP program. Organizations like Teach For America, City Year and Citizen Schools, actively seek out our graduating teachers. The same goes for the top innovativecharterorganizationslikeMATCHCharterPublicSchool,UncommonSchools,KIPPandYESPrep.

Financial Support for Teachers

Living expenses stipend
Breakthroughestablishesaminimumstipendof$750forhighschoolstudentsand$1000forcollegestudentsin ordertooffsetlivingexpenses.Thebasestipendvariesfromsitetosite.

Stipend enhancements
Ifyouareonfinancialaid,siteshaveextrafundingtosupportyourworkwithBreakthrough.Thisishandledona casebycasebasis,butthebasicruleisthatsitestrytoprovideyouwithwhatyouneed.Donotletfinancial concernsdiscourageyoufromapplying.Wewilltrytoaddressyourneeds.

REMEMBER: Do not let financial concerns discourage you from applying.

Other individual sources for funding
Many college students in the past have also applied for and received outside grants, workstudy funds, and fellowshipstosupplementthelivingexpensesstipend.Askyourfinancialaidadvisorand/orcollegecounselor aboutmoneythatyourschoolprovidestohelpsupportstudentswhoengageincommunityserviceduringthe summer.Highschoolstudentsmaybeabletolookintooutsidefundingsourcesaswell.

Other Breakthrough Opportunities

School Year Program tutor/teacher/mentor
While were asking you to join us for the summer, Breakthroughs students attend the program for tutoring, enrichment,andmentoringyearround.Thisafterschoolandweekendprogrammingofferedbysitesneedsthe samestaffofhighschoolandcollegeteachersthatthesummerprogramdoes.Theschoolyearopportunities varyfromsitetosite,soyoushouldcontactyourlocalBreakthroughdirectorformoreinformation.

Non-teaching positions
Breakthroughsitesofferavarietyofnonteachingpositionsduringtheschoolyearandsummersessions.These includestudentrecruitingandadmissions,officeadministration,alumnitracking,developingresources,writing, researchandmore.Contactindividualsitesforadditionalinformation.Oremail pmann@breakthroughcollaborative.orgtolearnmoreaboutinternshipscurrentlyavailableatBreakthrough NationalinSanFrancisco,CA.

2012 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook

Teacher Commitments and Responsibilities

The tools of teaching
At Breakthrough, youre not an assistant or aide in a classroom youre the teacher; and academic growth is our numberonepriorityforourstudents.Duringyoursummerlongcommitment,itwillbeyourresponsibilityto: LearnandpracticetheBreakthroughcommonmodelofinstructionwhichhasbeendevelopedbyapplyingfield researchbestpracticestoBreakthroughsuniquestudentsteachingstudentsmodel Collaborate with Mentor Teachers by providing lesson plans for approval and incorporating their expert feedback Teachuptothreesectionsofoneacademicclass Participateinongoingreflectionaboutthework,thestudents,theprogram,andyourpersonalinvolvement Beanactive,positiverolemodelforthestudentsintheprogram Workwithstudentsfamiliestobestservetheneedsoftheirchildren Learn about career pathways into teaching and other education leadership positions through mentoring and careerpanels Participateinthecocurriculum(seenextpage)

Academic classes are at the core of the Breakthrough day

Literature, writing, math, science, social studies.
To prepare students with the academic skills necessary to thrive in top high schools our academic classes are 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 coursesaremeanttoprovidestudentswiththetoolsthattheyneedtosucceedinacollegepreparatoryhigh 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 to basketball, from costume design to hiphop dance, and from chess to drama. Elective classes

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stretchstudentsinnewanddifferentways,providingexposuretoactivitiestheyoftendonothaveaccesstoat schoolorhome.

The Co-curriculum
What is the co-curriculum?
Since Breakthrough focuses on educating the whole child, each program creates a learning environment that extends from the classroom all the way to the local community. This "cocurriculum" is critical to creating a powerfulandexcitinglearningenvironment.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, youmustbesensitivetotheneedsofyourstudentsandalwaysbeavailabletolisten,giveadvice,orinsome casesreferthemtosomeonebetterpreparedtohandletheirsituation. WorkingwithFamilies:FamiliesplayanimportantroleatBreakthroughandgettingtoknowthemisoneofthe highlights of the summer. They are among our best resources. Conversationson the phone, conferences, and "Back to School Nights" provide valuable insights into how to best work with and encourage a students development.Regardlessofwhetherourstudentsmaybefacingchallengesathome,weexpecttheirfamilies tocommittotheprogram. Committee Work: Committees are chaired by and made up of teachers. They provide opportunities to learn about the responsibilities of administration and leadership. Their work ranges from planning events such as Celebration, to coordinating visitors and media in Public Relations, to beautifying the school through the Art Committee. Committee work helps create in each program the vibrant and unique atmosphere that makes Breakthroughspecial. Special Events: As a teacher, you will be involved in various special events that happen at different Breakthroughprograms.Evenifyoudonotorganizeanevent,youwillbeinvolvedinitsexecution:runningthe improvcontestatOlympics,leadingagroupdowntownonCityDay,DJingthedance,mastermindingaskitfor anAllSchoolMeeting,coordinatingthe7thgradesongforCelebration,etc. Club Leading: Clubs provide home bases for Breakthrough students, as well as teams that take on various challenges and competitions over the course of the summer. Two to three teachers work together as club leadersforagroupofapproximatelytenstudents.ClubleadersorganizeandleadtheirclubsinOlympics,Spirit Dayandotheractivitiesthatunifyandhelpstudentslearntoworktogether.Clubleadersarealsoadvisorswho are the most 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 Guidance

Most Breakthrough teachers arrive in our program never having taught before. Others may never have taken an education course. In spite of this, we expect our students to make significant academic strides under your tutelage. Becausewerecognizethechallengesoftheprogram,weworktoprovideyouwithsupportthroughoutthesummer.

Teacher training week

Each program spends at least five to eight long, intensive days preparing teachers for the summer. Teachers attend workshops on the Breakthrough common model of instruction including instructional strategies, classroom management,lessonplanningandassessment.Teachersrehearselessonsfortheirpeersandlearnabouttheirstudents. TheseintensetrainingsessionsareledbySiteDirectorsandMentorTeachers.

Support from professional Mentor/Master teachers

Duringtrainingweek,professionalMentorTeachers(calledMasterTeachersorInstructionalCoachesatsomesites) help you plan for your classes and prepare you for the world of teaching. After the training week, mentor teachers approveyourlessonplans,observeyourclassesandprovideongoingtrainingthroughoutthesummer;generallytheyre yourbestresources.MentorTeachersarealsoexpectedtomakesurethatclassesarerigorous,andappropriateforour students.Theyaretheretosupportyouwhenyoustruggle.

Faculty room resource library

Everysitehasaresourcelibraryofmaterialsavailableforyouruse.Curriculumbinders,samplelessonplans,books,and workbooksareallavailableforyourreviewthroughoutthesummer.

Support from your colleagues

All programs have department meetings that serve as support sessions for teachers in various subject departments. During these meetings, mentor teachers lead the department in workshops and discussions focused on sharing best practices,triumphs,andchallenges.Departmentsoftenwillbrainstormlessonplanscollaborativelyandshareteaching strategies.Yourcolleagueswillbetalentedstudentswhoarediligentandcaring,andyouwillalllearntogether.Youwill soonlearnwhyBreakthroughpridesitselfonitsspiritofcollaborationandteamwork.TheBreakthroughteacherblogat http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/blog will be updated throughout the summer with dispatches from teachersacrosstheCollaborative.Betweenfirstyearsandveterans,somestrugglingandotherssoaring(mostaredoing both),youllfindsupportandkindredspiritsnationwide.

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Leadership Positions
Faculty positions at Breakthrough incorporate leadership skills; there is ample opportunity to practice program administration.Pleasebeawarethatthetypesofleadershippositionsvaryateachprogram.Pleaseinquireaboutthe leadershipoptionsatindividualsiteswhenyouinterview.

Department Chair
Academic departments are formed for each of the core academic subjects. These teams share resources and plan lessonstogether;additionally,theyareresponsibleforadministratingregulardepartmentmeetingsandservingaspeer mentors. Department Chairs also supervise subjectspecific activities, such as Word of the Day at allcommunity meetingortheScienceFair.WhileDepartmentChairsaremostoftenexperiencedBreakthroughteachers,anyonewith aparticulartalentforasubjectandaninterestinadministrationshouldindicateinterest.

Administrative/Leadership Committee
Eachprogramcreatesacommitteetohandledailyoperationsandtoestablishapositivetonethroughoutthesummer. Thestructureandnameofthecommitteevariesfromsitetosite.Thiscommitteeisthebackboneofmostprograms, andhasavarietyofresponsibilitiesthatmayinclude:organizingAllSchoolMeetings,runningthefacultymeetingsand handlingalteredschedules,spearheadinginterdisciplinarywork,overseeingeventscommittees,andgenerallysetatone ofexcellenceandtenaciousmissionalignment.Thecommitteeworkscloselywiththedirector(s)todiscussthelogistics ofthedayandweek.AdministrativeCommitteemembersgenerallybeginworkaweekbeforefacultytrainingandhave lighterteachingloads.

Director of Athletics
Some programs have a Director of Athletics because of the athletic programs offered to the students after school. Programs foster physical fitness for a variety of interest and skill levels. Besides administrative duties, which include responsibility for scheduling events, caring for facilities, and managing equipment, the Athletic Director encourages studentstodevelopindividualconfidenceandcommitmenttoteamwork.

Art Director/Photo Director, Video Artist

Thosewhodreamaboutmurals,papermagic,visualconcepts,andartmaniashouldconsiderdirectingtheartprogram atBreakthrough.Artdirectorscelebratecreativity,coordinateartactivities,seethatartsuppliesarereadilyavailable, andoverseetheartfacilities.Mostimportantly,artdirectorsweaveartintoallrealmsofthelearningexperience.Photo directorsandvideoartistsdocumenttheprogramwithpictures,slideshows,andvideos.Manysiteshavedarkroomsfor filmdevelopment.Videoequipmentvariesfromsitetosite.

Celebration Chair
TheCelebrationchaircoordinatesandoverseesalldetailsoftheendofsummerextravaganzathatwecallCelebration. Parents,families,andcommunitymembersattendthiscombinationofgraduation,artisticandacademicperformance and all around celebration of the incredible work accomplished by the teachers and students over the summer. The CelebrationchairmusthaveaknackfororganizinglogisticsandpromotingtheBreakthroughspirit.

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A Typical Day
The day runs from 7:30 a.m. to about 6:00 p.m. in most programs. However, many times you will find your hours of involvementtobemuchlonger.Commitmentsoutsidetheprogramaredifficulttomaintain.ManyBreakthroughalums saythatyoumustlive,eat,breathe,andevensleepBreakthroughtobeaneffectiveteacher.Hereisanexampleofwht atypicaldaymightlooklikeforaBreakthroughmathteacher:

7:30-8:00 8:00-8:25 8:25-8:50

8:50-9:45 9:45-10:40 10:4011:00 11:00-11:55 11:55-12:25 12:25-1:20 1:20-2:05 2:05-2:55

Possibilities: prepare lesson materials, respond to student essays, rehearse All School Meeting skit. Meet buses in front of the school. Breakfast, collect homework, attendance, and announcements. Study time. Meet with that student who is having trouble understanding fractions in your math class. Math block. Have a student lead the class in solving homework problems Math project. Students measure the volume of the gym. Snack break with students. Math Department meeting. Mentor Teacher leads an instructional training on how to craft a strong objective. Lunch Time! Possibilities: meet with club to discuss fundraising or help a student with math. Free period. Talk to study skills teacher about a student whose study habits worry you. Elective class. Native American History: Finish discussion of Plains Indians. Each student reads a selection from Black Elk Speaks. Non-academic elective class. Acting: Do voice and movement warm-ups. Run through Scene 1 of Raisin in the Sun. Discuss character objective. Illustrate objective with improvisational games. Afternoon activities. Join the Dance Workshop; play volleyball. All School Meeting! Word of the Day, student presentations of learning, announcement about Culture Day. Round-up. Accompany students to get backpacks from lockers. Buses depart. Stand at buses; wave goodbye. Faculty meeting. Announcements, discussion, reflection. Meeting can last until 6:00 or later. Carefully mark papers and quizzes. Complete lesson plans for the next day focusing on goals of students. Sleep and dream about classes.

AM PM

2:55-3:35 3:35-3:55 3:55-4:00 4:00-4:15 4:15-6:00 6:00

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 Teach
There is no perfect Breakthrough teacher.
Eachteacherisselectedforhis/heruniqueblendofacademicachievement,workethic, and personality and a deep commitment to Breakthroughs students and mission. It is precisely for this reason that the Breakthrough application contains multiple essay questions.Pleasebesuretoplanenoughtimetocompleteallthequestions.

The Breakthrough teacher application can only be found online

If you are interested in teaching, you should complete an application online. After you have created a username and haveloggedintotheapplication,youcansavechangesandreturntoyourapplicationanunlimitednumberoftimesto completeit.However,youmustcompleteandsubmityourapplicationbyFebruary27,2012.

http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/teach/apply
Please Note: The selection timeline may vary from site to site; selections typically begin in February and
somesiteswillfillseveraloftheirpositionspriortothedeadline.Theadmissionstimelineispostedbelowif youhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactteach@breakthroughcollaborative.orgorcall4154420605.

Final Application Deadline: February 27, 2012

5pm PST/6pm MST/7pm CST/8pm EST
March 26 , 2012 May 21 , 2012
st th

Final Notification from First Site Preference: By this date, applicants will be notified whether they have been extended an offer or not with their first choice site some may be notified before this date. Waitlist Notification: By this date, applicants who have been placed on the Waitlist will be notified whether or not they have been accepted to teach in a Breakthrough program.

YouhavetheoptiontobeplacedontheBreakthroughNationalWaitlist.Ifyourenotacceptedtotheprogram(s)towhichyouappliedtoteach, andyouindicatedyouwouldbewillingtoteachanywhere,yourapplicationisthenautomaticallyplacedontheBreakthroughNationalWaitlist.By indicatingontheapplicationthatyouarewillingtoteachatanyBreakthroughsite,youareagreeingtobeplacedonthewaitlistandarewillingto beplacedaslateasMay21,2012.Youwillbenotifiedwhenyouareplacedonthewaitlistandatthatpoint,alldirectorsintheCollaborativewill beabletoviewyourapplicationandapplicantsareselectedonafirstcome,firstservedbasis.

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The application process
Complete the online application.
Youwillneedtocompleteandsubmittheonlineteachingapplication.Theapplicationconsistsoffoursections:Who AreYou?,TellUsMore,HowDoYouThink?andWhatAreYourPreferences?.Youwillbeaskedtotellusaboutyour backgroundandexperience,dosomeseriousreflectiononchallengingessays,andmakesomedecisionsaboutwhatrole 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.

TheBreakthroughTeacherapplicationprocessiscomplex.Applicantsarerequiredtopickatleastoneanduptofour sitepreferencesofwherethey'dliketoteach.Onceyouverankedyourchoices,allofthesiteswillbenotifiedofyour interestandwillbeabletoseeyourapplication.Anyofthosefoursitesmycontactyouforaninterview,orforanyother reason.(So,dontbesurprisedifyouhearfrom#3beforeyouhearfrom#1.)But,theimportantdistinctionisthis;your 2nd,3rd,or4thchoicesitesmaynotextendanofferforyoutoteachattheirsiteunlessthemorehighlyrankedsite(s)have rejectedyourapplication.Youmayhearfromothersites,andeveninterview,butyouwillonlyeverreceiveoneoffer from Breakthrough; when you receive that offer, you can be sure it is from the most highly ranked site that is interestedinyourapplication. Inanefforttoprovidemoretransparencytoourapplicants,thisyeartheonlineapplicationsystemwillnotifyyouvia automated email when you are being moved through various stages of the application process. Specifically, you will receive emails when you start your application, submit your application, when your application changes ownership (when your first choice rejects your app and your second choice is granted permission toextend you an offer), when your application is placed Under Review for extended scrutiny, if and when you have been placed in the National WaitlistandwhentheNationalWaitlistisnolongeropen.Thistransparencyallowsapplicantstofeelagreatersenseof trustintheprocessthatourdirectorsmakegreateffortstoworkthroughthoughtfully,respectfullyandefficiently.

eRecommendation Process.
The deadline to enter a recommender is February 20 . Note this is one week BEFORE the application is due. If you 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 teach with Breakthrough. We use a completelyautomatedeRecommendationprocess.Onthefinalpageoftheonlineapplication,weaskyoutoinsertthe email address and name of the person you are asking to write your eRecommendation. The eRecommendation form asksthispersontoreportonyourproficiencylevelinavarietyofcorecompetenciesthatwehavewitnessedinexcellent BreakthroughTeachersovertheyearsincludingworkethic,leadershipqualities,communicationskills,awarenessofour studentpopulationandacommitmenttoourmission.Whenpickingsomeonetoserveinthisroleforyoupleasemake
th

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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. Please make sure to confirm with your recommender before you insert his/her email and name into the field in the online application; as soon as you press save the eRecommendation form will automatically go out to the recommender. The recommender will receive two additional reminders (at one week and two weeks past the initial 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 director who asks for an interview.

Wait to be contacted by a director for an interview.

Directors will process applications when theyre able to do so. Many will attempt to fill staff positions earlier in the process.However,theclockdoesntstartcountingdownonapplicationsuntilmidFebruary.Ifyouretobeofferedan interview, youll be contacted. If your contact information for the spring changes, send a note immediately to teach@breakthroughcollaborative.org.

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 to teach@breakthroughcollaborative.org.

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Where You Can Teach

The choice is yours.
Whenyouapply,youcanselectuptofourBreakthroughsitesfrom26citiesin16states,andHongKong.Youwillrank the sites in order of preference (one being your highest preference, four being your lowest preference). You do not have to select four sites but must select at least one. When selecting your programs, you should carefully consider individualprogramcharacteristics,suchasstudentages,teachingstructure,orspecialcourses.

Explore the Breakthrough programs.

SearchtheSiteRostertolearnmoreabouteachlocation.YoumayaccesstherosterfromtheOnlineApplicationinthe toprighthandcorner. Please also be sure to read the Site Roster to learn more about how many teaching positions are 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 arrangements
Ifyouchooseanoutoftownsiteanddonotalreadyhavehousingarrangedatthatlocation,yoursitemaybeableto arrangeahomestay.Generallythesehomestaysallowteacherstolivewiththefamiliesofstudents,teachers,orother friendsoftheprogram.Youmustreadthesitedescriptioninordertodetermineiftheyareacceptinghomestays.Some sitesalsohavearrangementswithlocalcollegestoofferdormitoryhousingforstudents.

Please be sure to state your housing needs clearly on your application. Realizethathome
stayavailabilityisgenerallylimited.Havingafriendorfamilymembertostaywithwillbehelpful!And, behonest!Ifyoudontneed a homestay,beclear.Youdontwanttojeopardizeyourapplication.

Travel arrangements
Pleasenotethatinallbutextremecases,teachersareresponsiblefortransportationtoandfromthesite.

Breakthrough Affiliate Locations (number of sites in parentheses)

Atlanta, GA (2) Austin, TX Cambridge, MA Cincinnati, OH Denver, CO Fort Lauderdale, FL Fort Worth, TX Hong Kong (3) Houston, TX Manchester, NH Miami, FL (4) Minneapolis, MN New Haven, CT New Orleans, LA New York, NY Norfolk, VA Philadelphia, PA (3) Pittsburgh, PA Providence, RI Sacramento, CA Saint Paul, MN San Francisco, CA (SFDS) San Francisco, CA (SFUHS) San Juan Capistrano, CA Santa Fe, NM Silicon Valley, CA

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Breakthrough Is Here to Help You

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

Policies, ideas, concerns, questions, and life-afterBreakthrough:

Paul Mann
Teacher Network Specialist pmann@breakthroughcollaborative.org 415-442-0605

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 Cambridge

Read similar stories at www.BreakthroughCollaborative.org/blog

2012 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook