Summer 2024 Ninth Grade Teacher (Project-Based Learning)

Breakthrough Overview

Breakthrough San Francisco is a college access and teacher training program. In 2023-24, we’re serving 232 students from across San Francisco; 86% will be the first in their families to attend a four-year college, while 91% are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. They make an eight-year commitment – from the summer after fourth grade until their high school graduation. Through our program, we work to ensure they are academically successful, on the path to college, and celebrated for all pieces of their identity. We’re proud that 100% of students who’ve graduated from our program in the past six years have gone on to college, including 93% at four-year schools.

In addition, through our summer teacher residency and Breakthrough Leadership Program (BLP) opportunity, we train outstanding high school and college students for education careers. Because of this successful partnership, our TFs leave the summer inspired and prepared, and our high school participants take away similar professional experiences and leadership skills.

Position Overview

Breakthrough seeks one outstanding professional classroom teacher to provide advising and instruction in our 2024 summer program for rising ninth graders. The program seeks to further develop our students’ academic skills, study skills, and social-emotional toolbox, helping prepare them for a successful high school transition.

This summer, our rising ninth grade class will feature a Project Based Learning curriculum, focused on pollution and air quality in communities throughout San Francisco. Students will learn about the issue, conduct research, and develop a final project consisting of a presentation and writing sample. Community Exploration Experiences (CEEs) will enable students to collect data and engage with communities firsthand. Additionally, students will connect their findings to their personal experiences growing up in the city, and learning how politics, social justice, and environmental science are interconnected.

Each day, the teacher will lead a 90-minute lecture block and facilitate a 90-minute project work block. Additionally, they will lead either an advisory session or a structured office hour block each morning, depending on the day. For academics, advisory, and office hours, Breakthrough will provide curricula and structure that the teacher will be asked to adapt. Class size will range from 8 – 15 students, depending on student sign ups.

The 9th grade teacher will be expected to work on-site at SF Day School from approximately 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, Mon – Fri, and to use some time off-site each day to prepare for each class session and review student work, as needed. We anticipate a total commitment of roughly 25 hours per week (50% FTE).

Responsibilities

Pre-Summer – to be completed by early-June, work can be done remotely – approx. 20 hours total

• Meet with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sara Marcopulos-Riberal, & Program Persistence Manager, Paola Bustos
• Review & refine Project Based Learning Curriculum
• Reach out to students to welcome them and introduce yourself

Summer Program – June 17 – July 19th, 2024 – approx. 25 hours/week

• Work on-site at SF Day School from approximately 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, Mon – Fri
• Teach 1 lecture block & facilitate 1 project work block per day (estimated class size 8 – 15 students, depending on student sign ups)
• Lead 2 advisory sessions & hold at least 3 structured 30 minute office hour blocks a week
• Supervise and participate in Community Exploration Experiences (CEE’s)
• Carefully prepare for each class session and review student work (can be done remotely)
• Check-in and communicate regularly with the Program Persistence Manager, Paola Bustos

Wrap-Up Work – July 22 – 26, 2024 – work can be done remotely – approx. 10 hours total

• Write a brief final narrative report for each student
• Provide curriculum revisions and suggestions for future summers
• Provide overall feedback on the rising ninth grade program
• Attend final wrap-up meeting with Director of Curriculum and Instruction & Program Persistence Manager

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Outstanding track record as a professional middle or high school teacher for at least two years (preferably in grade 9)
• Deep knowledge of subject matter and broad knowledge of available resources
• Ability to hold students to high standards while also offering support and maintaining positive relationships
• Ability to reflect proactively on and participate constructively in discussions around identity, race, gender, and issues of social justice
• Experience with curriculum development and implementation
• Creativity, energy, and commitment to excellence
• Prior experience with Breakthrough or Summerbridge a plus
• Familiarity with San Francisco schools a plus

Compensation: $30 – $45 – $60/hour, depending on experience

Tagged as: High School, Middle School