Summer 2026 Instructional Coach

Breakthrough Overview

Breakthrough San Francisco is a college access and teacher training program. In 2025-26, we’re serving over 250 students from across San Francisco; 84% will be the first in their families to attend a four-year college, while 89% are eligible for free or reduced-priced 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 97% of students who’ve graduated from our program in the past eight years have gone on to college, including 89% at four-year schools. 

In addition, through our summer teacher residency, we train outstanding college students for education careers. Each summer, our Teaching Fellows bring energy, commitment, and a willingness to learn; they’re trained and supported by a corps of Instructional Coaches, experienced professional classroom teachers who review their lesson plans, observe their teaching, and provide ongoing feedback. Because of this successful partnership, our Teaching Fellows leave the summer inspired and prepared; 36% of Teaching Fellows who’ve graduated from college in the past decade are currently working in the education sector, most as classroom teachers in urban public schools. 

General Job Description

Instructional Coaches (ICs) are experienced and successful professional educators who provide content-specific support and mentoring for Breakthrough’s Teaching Fellows (TFs) and engage fully in the Breakthrough San Francisco community. Each IC manages four TFs, leading weekly department meetings, observing classes, reviewing lesson plans, and meeting frequently with individual TFs regarding their ongoing work. ICs also observe TFs in Advisory and help ensure that time is used productively. Overall, ICs support the personal and professional growth of Breakthrough TFs through their first teaching experience, while ensuring a high level of instruction for our students. ICs also receive professional development in order to broaden their coaching and leadership skills and set them up for future coaching opportunities in their own schools and districts. 

Specific Instructional Coach Duties

Pre-Summer: late April or early May - early June 2026

Time Commitment: Approximately 25 - 30 hours, including two - three training sessions as well as curriculum refinement and teacher training preparation, to be done independently. 

• complete two - three training sessions on Saturdays in April - May 
• refine existing unit plans in specific content areas
• familiarize yourself with the Summer 2026 Advisory Curriculum
• review Teaching Fellow pre-summer assignments and give feedback
• meet with program staff to plan Teacher Orientation workshops
• complete any IC pre-summer assignments

Teacher Orientation: June 15, 2026 - June 18, 2026

Time Commitment: Approximately 9 AM - 4 PM daily, on-site at SF Day School. If your school year commitments extend beyond June 15, please connect with us about your situation. 

• help facilitate teacher training on topics such as classroom culture, lesson planning, and teaching practices
• participate fully in all Orientation workshops and rapidly build professional relationships with TFs
• guide TFs through lesson planning, practice teaching, and rigorous preparation for teaching experience 

Summer Program: June 22, 2026 - July 31, 2026

Time Commitment: Approximately 25 - 30 hours/week. Approximately 8 AM - 3 PM Monday through Thursday, on-site at SF Day School, possibly finishing earlier on some days; some work off-site via email or phone in the afternoons may be needed. Fridays will be largely off or used for completing work as needed. 

• provide four TFs with support and regular feedback as they design and revise lesson plans
• hold TFs accountable for high expectations, including meeting all deadlines
• observe each TF in class at least twice weekly
• observe each TF in Advisory at least once weekly
• conduct weekly one-on-one debrief sessions with TFs, providing concrete feedback 
• plan and lead departmental meetings once per week
• lead at least one professional development session in collaboration with another IC
• check in and communicate regularly with the Director of Teaching and Learning regarding TF progress
• engage fully in the Breakthrough San Francisco community 

Wrap-Up Week (Remote for ICs): August 3, 2026 - August 5, 2026 

• submit a final narrative evaluation and letter of recommendation for each assigned TF
• work with TFs to provide revisions and suggestions on curriculum for next summer’s TFs and coaches
• evaluate the overall summer program 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• outstanding track record as a professional classroom teacher for at least three years (preferably in grades 5-8)
• outstanding knowledge of subject matter and broad knowledge of available resources 
• excellent communication, presentation, writing, time management, and organizational skills
• people-centered approach: ability to hold others to high standards while also offering support and maintaining positive relationships 
• ability to reflect proactively on and participate in discussions around identity, race, gender, and issues of social justice
• California teaching credential (Single Subject or Multiple Subject) preferred 
• prior experience with Breakthrough or Summerbridge highly desirable
• familiarity with San Francisco public schools highly desirable