Teachers
The Teaching Experience
Intern teachers attend colleges nationwide are hand-picked through a rigorous, multi-step application process. They commit to eight weeks of work during the summer. Interns undergo intensive training prior to entering the classroom, attending workshops on curriculum development, classroom management, and other essential topics. Once classes start, they are closely watched by professional Instructional Coaches, who provide ongoing feedback on their lesson plans and implementation of instructional techniques.
This internship takes over your life for eight weeks and will likely push you harder than you've ever worked before. At the same time, it is an incredibly rewarding experience that connects you with brilliant students and inspiring colleagues. It will shape you for years to come.
Courses Taught
Breakthrough offers academically rigorous courses in math, science, reading, and writing for rising fifth - eighth graders. Beginning in the spring, intern teachers work closely with their Instructional Coach to refine their curriculum and lesson plans. Interns are expected to focus on a set of skills particular to their subject area, but retain some autonomy with the course content. Interns lead two sections of each class, plus an afternoon elective like sports, arts, or debate. Some other course attributes:
- small class sizes of 6-9 students to maximize learning
- six weeks long, culminating in a final project
- reflective of interns' interests and expertise
- engaging, student-centered instruction reflective of recent brain research
Our Students
Our students know how to dream. They want be surgeons, veterinarians, teachers, and lawyers. They can use support, however, in making those dreams a reality. While talented and motivated, they come from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education. 95% are of color; roughly 90% are low-income; 60% speak a language other than English at home; and 75% will be the first in their families to attend a four-year college. All are recruited from public schools in San Francisco. We will serve rising fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in summer 2013.