Breakthrough SF > How To Apply

How To Apply

The summer teaching internship at Breakthrough San Francisco is highly selective – for summer 2011, we admitted just 1 in 19 applicants. To apply, you must be a high school or college student willing to commit to eight weeks of incredibly hard work.

 

 

The application for summer 2012 positions is available here. The application deadline is February 27, 2012; however, because decisions are made on a rolling basis, you are strongly encouraged to apply early. Specific questions about the internship can be directed to Director of Instruction Heidi Erbe.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 Click here for more summer 2012 specifics.

Q: I’ve never taught before – is this program right for me?
A: If you are passionate about educational equity and have demonstrated academic excellence and effective leadership in the past, this program might be for you. At Breakthrough we have Instructional Coaches on staff to support iinterns through their first classroom experience and to offer guidance on all aspects of the work.
Q: Do I get to choose which class I teach?
A: If hired, you will be assigned a specific subject and grade level. While Breakthrough's program staff make all final decisions, you are encouraged to rank your preferences on the application and may speak with us in greater depth about subject options. You will work closely with your Instructional Coach before the students arrive to  finalize your curriculum, and will receive support throughout the summer on lesson plan development and implementation. Some teachers will be working from pre-written curriculum; all teachers will have daily objectives and sample lessons that they can use as a starting point. For elective classes, you will be given full autonomy with what you are interested in teaching. Teachers have taught everything from Japanese to Speech and Debate in prior years.

 
Q: How long is a typical day as a Breakthrough teacher?
A: Breakthrough teachers arrive on campus no later than 7:30am. After a busy day with students, teachers stay on site until 6pm or later, attending afternoon workshops on everything from  elective and special events planning to professional development and Kid Talk. There will be some evenings when you will need to stay later, and days you can leave early. Keep in mind that even after heading home for the night, you'll have work to do.

 
Q: How competitive is the application process? How many teachers are typically chosen?
A: The application process is highly competitive. We will accept a total of 25 teachers for summer 2012 and typically receive close to 400 applications. After submitting your application, be prepared for a multi-step interview process, which involves a mock-teaching demonstration, a online workshop, and a one-on-one interview

 
Q: If I’m from outside San Francisco, does Breakthrough help me find and pay for housing?
A: We provide a limited number of homestays, at no charge, for teachers from outside the Bay Area. You will need to help with household chores and otherwise be exceptionally respectful of your hosts.

 
Q: Is this a paid internship?
A: Our teaching internship includes a living stipend, which starts at $1,250. Returning candidates and those receiving financial aid at school are eligible for an enhancement.

 
 


I could feel my ability as a teacher growing exponentially by the day. While it was frustrating to constantly encounter new obstacles, my frustration was always overpowered by excitement to improve. I could not have found this rejuvenation without constant support from every corner of the school.

- Aida Sadr-Kiani, Columbia University 2011, former Breakthrough teacher

 

 

Breakthrough was the single most empowering experience of my life. It taught me not just what it means to work hard, but to work with a sense of purpose and impact. Every minute I spent with the program, I felt like I was influencing the world around me.

- Cal Trembath, UC Berkeley 2011, former Breakthrough teacher