Become An Instructional Coach
START YOUR APPLICATION
Before you apply to become an instructional coach, please review the site directory to select your preferred location.
Apply to coach
During the nine-week residency, instructional coaches learn research-based teaching strategies, best practices for teaching observations to identify strengths and areas of growth, and best practices for delivering actionable feedback to support the professional growth of teaching fellows.
Learn more about the instructional coach position here.
Important dates for Summer 2018
Application opens late fall 2017
Application deadline in early April 2018
Decision notification in late April 2018
Thank you for your interest in coaching at Breakthrough. Please refer to the following instructions as you complete your application and participate in the selection process.
Before you start
Step 1: Identify two professional references
On the application, you will be asked to list two professional references. If you advance in the process, one or both of these references may be contacted directly by our team.
On the application
Step 2: Complete your profile information
Provide contact information, as well as basic information about your educational and professional background.
Step 3: Upload your cover letter and resume
Please provide a cover letter that speaks to your interest in the instructional coach position. As you craft your letter to Breakthrough, you may wish to consider:
• Why are you a strong candidate for the position?
• How do you hope to grow as a coach and professionally?
• What is your experience working with motivated students in under-resourced schools?
• What are the most important skills for students to be successful in the most academically rigorous settings?
• What are the most important skills for novice teachers to develop?
• What fundamental teaching skills do you imagine our teaching fellows might struggle with and how would you coach them to overcome these challenges?
Upload a current copy of your resume. It should include paid and unpaid work, volunteer, and leadership experiences.
Step 4: Select site and subject preferences
Select the affiliate location(s) where you are interested and able to coach. We recommend locations where you are able to provide your own housing and programs that completely align with your schedule. Review our affiliate locations and program details including schedules and stipend information.
You will also indicate the department(s) that you are interested in coaching.
Step 5: Submit your application
Once you submit a completed application, you will receive a confirmation email. The selection committee will be in touch with you if you advance in the process.
Selection process and materials
After you submit your application, your application materials will be reviewed by our selection committee. If you advance in the selection process, you may be asked to submit a teaching or coaching sample, participate in an interview, or participate in a mock-coaching session. Please keep in mind that materials and timelines may vary slightly. If you advance in the process, our team will provide specific instructions and a timeline for submission of your materials.
Please review the site directory for instructional coaches to select your preferred locations before applying.
Do you have questions about applying to Breakthrough as an instructional coach? Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions are below.
Instructional Coaches
Do I have to be a teacher to apply?
Yes, coaches are professional educators with at least several years of classroom experience. Retired teachers are also eligible to apply.
How do I select sites, and how will I be considered for each?
Unfortunately, housing is not available for instructional coaches so we encourage you to apply to your local program OR a program where you are able to provide housing.
Are instructional coaches paid?
Coaches receive a stipend. Please visit our instructional coach site directory for complete details.
What are the dates of the summer session?
Program dates vary from site to site. Please visit our instructional coach site directory for complete details.
Application process
For detailed instructions about the application, please see our application instructions.
What are the deadlines for applying to coach at Breakthrough?
The deadline to apply to coach for Summer 2017 is April 6, 2017.
What should I include on my resume?
Provide a resume that you would submit for a full-time, professional teaching opportunity.
Your resume should be comprehensive but not overly detailed. A general guideline is one to three pages, depending on years of experience.
Selection process
What is the selection process like?
Following the submission of your application, you may be contacted for a classroom visit or a video submission of a sample teaching presentation, an interview, and/or a mock coaching session. You will be contacted directly by a director if you advance to the next stage in the selection process.
How quickly will I receive a decision?
Instructional coach applicants will receive a decision by the end of April 2017.
