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: 94% of Breakthrough students enroll in college preparatory high schools, and 97% are on track to graduate from college in four-six years. Learn more at Breakthrough New York's
website.
ABOUT THE POSITION
As a High School Teaching Fellow, you will deliver instructional content and periodic advising check-ins to a classroom of 10-15 high school students. You may also support students during structured enrichment events, field trips, and career exploration or college-readiness workshops. Your work will support high school students’ successful completion of high school and preparation for the college admissions process.
Alongside a cohort of other Teaching Fellows, you will receive training, professional development, and ongoing guidance. You will also be provided with the instructional curriculum and student support resources that you will deliver to students.
Instruction and Student Learning (45%):
- Provide onsite instruction during 9 Saturdays (9:00 am - 3:00 pm) throughout the school year
- Collaborate with a co-teacher to deliver lessons, small-group learning, and enrichment activities
- Deliver lesson exit tickets and student surveys to track student engagement and learning
Student Support, Advising, and Community Building (30%):
- Lead 2 advising conversations with 5-10 students per semester
- Complete and submit advising case notes by the provided deadline
- Build positive relationships with students and a positive classroom culture
Training, Coaching, and Professional Development (25%)
- Participate in all teaching training and staff meetings
- Engage in instructional coaching conversations with BTNY staff
- Apply instructional feedback to lesson preparation, classroom culture, and instruction
SCHEDULE AND TIME COMMITMENT
- This role is hired on a semester basis. The initial appointment covers the Fall semester only (September 1, 2026 - December 22, 2026). Continuation into the Spring semester (January 4, 2027 - May 31, 2027) is not guaranteed; however, staff who meet performance expectations and where program needs remain will likely be invited to return under a separate Spring semester contract. Conversations about potential Spring renewal typically begin in October, with Spring contracts signed before the end of November.
- You will provide onsite instruction during one Saturday per month from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm throughout the academic semester (September - December and/or January - May).
- The advising conversations you will conduct with the 5-10 students in your assigned caseload will typically take 15-20 minutes each and may occur doing your scheduled onsite worktime.
- You will be required to attend:
- Teaching Fellow Orientation (September 12, 2026 from 10AM to 3PM)
- Monthly Virtual Instructional Previews of program content
- Onsite Teaching Fellow Meetings at the end of program delivery
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current college student or recent college graduate
- Passionate about partnering with students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree
- Enjoys public speaking, dynamic classroom environments, and engaging with energetic young people
- Can commit for the Fall semester (September 1, 2026 to December 22, 2026) with possibility of extending into Spring semester (January 4, 2027 to May 31, 2027) based on performance and need of the role
- Confident with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite, and Zoom preferable
- Takes a strengths-based and growth-mindset approach to student development and mentorship
- Willing to respond to email, phone calls, and texts from students and staff within 24-48 hours.
- Is an excellent listener and appreciates responding to open-ended questions
- Demonstrates commitment to BTNY's Core Values
Breakthrough New York is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants who represent the communities we serve.
