... THIS SUMMER

Step 1: Do The Research
The first step in applying for the Breakthrough teaching internship this summer is learning everything you possibly can about it. If you have not done so already, please read this section of our website thoroughly. If you have further questions, please read the FAQ section. If you have questions that have not been answered from the website, please contact Jennifer Otremba, Coordinator of Curriculum & Instruction, at jotremba@moundsparkacademy.org.

Step 2: The Online Application
The online application can be found at www.breakthroughcollaborative.org. Pick Breakthrough Saint Paul as your #1 site preference nationally. Write your essays in a word document and upload your responses when you are finished. Follow all instructions closely. The online application is due on March 3.

Step 3: Recommendation & Transcript
As you work on the application, you should also order your transcript and approach someone to write a recommendation on your behalf. Please ask your recommender to fill out the national form, write an accompanying letter, and send them both to the Breakthrough Saint Paul office in a sealed and signed envelope. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient if your school has that option available. Recommendations and transcripts are due postmarked on March 7 for Breakthrough Saint Paul. Because of our unique hiring timeline, all applicants to our site need to submit recommendations and transcripts, not only those that are eventually invited to an interview.

Step 4: The Teacher Interview Event
Applicants who are asked to interview and live within driving distance of Saint Paul, MN will participate in a Teacher Workshop on March 11 or 12. The exact time of these events is still to be announced, but expect it to be from about 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Applicants should prepare a short seven minute lesson to give to their fellow applicants and be ready to participate in a team building exercise and group interview over dinner. Though you only need to attend one event, please do your best to keep both of these dates and times open when you apply.

Details on the Interview Event:

• The Atmosphere. The evening will be an opportunity for us to learn more about you and your potential strengths as a Breakthrough teacher. It is also a chance for you to learn more about the program and to acquire some useful knowledge about teaching techniques. The atmosphere will be relaxed and supportive.
• Sample Lesson. You will teach a 7-minute lesson to a group of eight other applicants. Lessons may be on any subject, academic or non-academic. Just make sure it fits the time allotted. Strong past examples include knot tying, a card trick, haiku, origami, and Indian dance finger motions. You do not need to demonstrate perfect teaching skills, but you will want to put some thought into how you communicate, present, and sequence your material and how you get your "students" involved. Additionally, we are looking for personality, presence, and energy.
• Team Building Exercise. Summer teachers need to be able to think quickly and creatively with others and to work well as a member of a team to realize a vision. Through a short creative challenge, we are able to see how you communicate and collaborate with others.
• Small Group Interview. Dinner will be provided, during which you will participate in a small group conversation about your motivation for applying to Breakthrough, your strengths and challenges, and your beliefs about education.
• Location. The interview event takes place at Mounds Park Academy. See the map for directions.

Applicants who are asked to interview but do not live within driving distance of Saint Paul, MN must submit a digital video recording of their seven minute lesson by March 7. Options include posting it on YouTube or mailing it in DVD format. Please make sure to arrange a mock “class” of 4-8 of your friends, roommates, family, or anyone else you can convince to take part. Make sure the video captures your activity and picks up your and your students’ voices clearly. For more information about the lesson, please read the section above. After viewing the lesson, the site staff may contact you with further questions.