Description
ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH NEW YORK
Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income communities to achieve a college degree and reach their fullest potential. Our tuition-free program supports over 500 students and their families from 7th grade through college. We accept middle school students who are furthest from high-quality educational opportunities yet show promise and potential: 99% of students identify as persons of color; 76% qualify for free or reduced lunch; and 66% will be the first in their families to graduate college.
As a ten-year program, Breakthrough New York supports students and their families through key transition points in their academic journeys. We provide academic enrichment through summer and after-school opportunities; coach students to gain admissions into selective high schools and colleges, and expose students to diverse interests and careers so they can shape their own trajectories.
In addition to nurturing individual talent, we cultivate a thriving community of like-minded peers and mentors who encourage each other’s ambitions and passions. Personalized mentorship and holistic support are signature elements of our model, with over 200 near-peer seasonal staff and volunteers who work with students at each stage of our continuum.
The Breakthrough model works: over 98% of Breakthrough students graduate from college preparatory high schools, and 100% are on track to graduate from college. Learn more at Breakthrough NY's website.
ABOUT THE POSITION
As an Instructional Coach (IC) at Breakthrough New York, you will play a critical role in ensuring the success of our Teaching Fellows (TFs) by providing instructional guidance, mentorship, and real-time feedback throughout the eight-week summer program. Reporting to the Program Manager, ICs oversee a department of 5-10 Teaching Fellows in a specific academic discipline—Literature, Math, Science, or Social Studies—helping them develop strong instructional practices and classroom management skills.
This position is ideal for experienced educators looking to expand their instructional leadership skills. ICs are instrumental in maintaining the academic rigor of Breakthrough’s summer program, supporting Teaching Fellows—most of whom are college students exploring careers in education—as they gain hands-on teaching experience. Through coaching, lesson planning support, and structured feedback, ICs ensure high-quality instruction and help create a positive learning environment for students.
Your leadership as an Instructional Coach will directly impact the next generation of educators, shaping their ability to engage students effectively while reinforcing a culture of high expectations and academic excellence. Many former ICs have gone on to instructional leadership roles, such as Academic Deans and full-time Instructional Coaches.
Schedule of Instructional Coach Duties
- Thursday, April 30th: Instructional Coach Training Part 1 (Virtual, 5:00 PM-7:30 PM)
- May 1st-May 15th: Review subject curriculum and complete curriculum pre work (~5 hours, Remote)
- Saturday, May 16th: Instructional Coach Training Part 2 (9:30 AM-5:00 PM)
- Mid May – End of June: Teaching Fellow Training Prep
- Reach out to Teaching Fellow Team
- Prepare individual presentations and workshops for Teaching Fellow team
- June 29 - June 30: Teaching Fellow Training
- Lead 2 afternoons of in-person PD training
- Train Teaching Fellows in subject-specific competencies.
- July 6 – August 7: Five-Week Summer Program (~36 hours per week, On-Site, see schedule details below)
- Provide Teaching Fellows with support and daily professional development through at least two informal observations and one growth conference per week.
- Ensure accurate tracking of student achievement data to inform instruction and implement interventions.
- Ensure gradebooks are updated at the end of each week.
- Meet weekly with PM/SDMS to discuss Teaching Fellows’ progress and to further develop coaching skills.
- Oversee implementation of daily elective classes.
- Act as grade team lead
- August 10 – 14: Evaluation Week (~12 hours, Remote)
- Submit a final evaluation for each of your assigned fellows and the overall summer program.
- Supervise Fellows as they assess their student's academic performance, including reviewing all TF final evaluation comments and providing feedback on language, ensuring all TF grades are submitted and accurate.
- Ensure teaching fellows' materials are properly saved in the correct Drive and TFs complete end-of-summer commitments.
Summer Program Daily Schedule
The summer daily schedule for TFs is 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Work as an Instructional Coach during the five-week summer program includes two shifts. ICs work Mondays-Fridays either from 8 am- 2 pm or 11-5 pm.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE
Teaching Fellow Coaching & Development (50%)
- Observing Teaching Fellows’ lessons, providing real-time feedback, and offering actionable strategies for improvement.
- Leading weekly department meetings to address instructional challenges, share best practices, and foster collaboration among TFs.
- Conducting regular one-on-one check-ins with TFs to discuss lesson planning, student engagement, and classroom management.
- Supporting TFs in designing and implementing rigorous, engaging, and student-centered lesson plans aligned with Breakthrough’s curriculum.
- Ensuring Teaching Fellows uphold high expectations for student achievement and classroom culture.
Program & Curriculum Support (30%)
- Collaborating with the Program Manager and other ICs to ensure alignment across disciplines.
- Providing input on curriculum modifications to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Assisting in data collection and analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional practices and inform program improvements.
- Participating in professional development sessions to refine coaching strategies and stay informed on best practices in education.
Community Building & Leadership (20%)
- Serving as a key member of the Breakthrough New York summer leadership team, contributing to program-wide initiatives.
- Supporting Teaching Fellows in fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment.
- Upholding Breakthrough’s mission, values, and commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging).
- Assisting with summer program logistics, including student events, family engagement, and community-building activities.
- This role provides a unique leadership opportunity for educators eager to develop their coaching and instructional leadership skills while supporting the growth of aspiring teachers in a dynamic, high-energy learning environment.
Breakthrough New York is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who represent the communities we serve.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
- Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree preferred
- At least 3-4 years of professional classroom experience teaching in a middle school or high school
- Outstanding track record with proven student achievement, preferably in an NYC school
- Prior experience with Breakthrough is highly desirable
Skills
- A strong understanding of curriculum implementation and instruction
- Experience coaching or working with teachers in building strong lesson planning and/or instructional skills
- Comfort and confidence in working with middle school and college-aged students
- Ability to multitask between projects and manage own time to meet goals
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, especially in areas of cultural competency, and an ability to deliver positive, constructive, and honest feedback, both written and verbal
- Creativity, energy, and commitment to excellence; professional demeanor and attitude
- Demonstrates excellence in BTNY’s Core Values:
- Student-Centered
- Committed to Social Justice
- Community-Driven
- Principled
- Lifelong Learners
- Demonstrates commitment to in BTNY’s Core Values
COMPENSATION
BTNY strongly believes in selecting the top, qualified candidates. As a part of your offer, you can expect to receive the following
BTNY Instructional Coaches will be paid at a rate of $30/hour, in bi-weekly installments from early May through mid-August.
