TeachBreakthroughs

I know!  You just can’t wait any longer!!!

I ask for your patience anyway.  We have rebuilt the online teacher application from the ground up, making it simpler to use, more informative, and, dare I say, prettier as well.  We’re bug testing right now to make sure it’s on its game when we launch.

We plan on going live before December 1.  In the meantime, prepare by following the ups and downs of our 2008 teachers and by reading the 2009 Teaching at Breakthrough Handbook (this is REQUIRED).  When that does not sate your need for Breakthrough experiences, head on over to our Facebook page and join the discussion.

Last Monday marked the end of Breakthrough’s application period for summer 2008–and what an application period it was. Our final count totaled over 1,300, due in large part to hundreds of applications we received in the final weekend. Among those applications was the young woman who graciously took our applicant figure from three digits to four: Caryn Jack. As lucky number 1,000, Caryn will receive a Breakthrough Nalgene and our best wishes for future application processes in which she has the chance of being #1,000. Without further ado…

1. How did you first hear about Breakthrough?

A friend did a presentation about Breakthrough here on campus.

2. What about teaching with Breakthrough is so exciting for you?

Teaching with Breakthrough sounds so exciting because the teachers have a real opportunity to change these middle schoolers’ lives. This is a chance to inspire confidence in them while helping them reach their full potential.

3. What are some of your career interests?

I’d like to be an English teacher or possibly something involving writing or editing.

4. Describe your personality in three words.

Loving, ambitious, passionate

5. If you were a U.S. city, what city would you be, and why?

San Antonio. It’s home to the most fantastic people.

The application will close at 5PM PST, tonight!

The clock is counting down!

That’s 8PM in the East!

7PM in the Central!

6PM in the Mountain!

The application will close then! I mean it!

(If you’re having trouble getting pumped, listen to this song. It’s better than Red Bull.)

If we had a nickel for every application we’ve received so far, we be millionaires! Or at least we’d have 25 bucks. Here’s a quick profile of lucky applicant number 500, who will receive a Breakthrough Nalgene and the distinct honor of representing the Roman numeral “D.”

Name: Kyle Robertson
School: Walnut Hills High School (Class of 2009)
Time of submission: Friday, February 22, 2008, 4:01 p.m. EST

1. How did you first hear about Breakthrough?
My sister taught at Breakthrough Cincinnati last summer and told me it was amazing.
2. What about teaching with Breakthrough is so exciting for you?
The idea of teaching at Breakthrough excites me because I love inspiring others to think critically. I also would love to do anything to close the racial and socioeconomic education gap.
3. What are some of your career interests?
My dream career would be to write. I have also considered law, diplomacy, and psychology.
4. Describe your personality in three words.
Enthusiastic, inquisitive, stubborn.
5. If you were a U.S. city, what city would you be, and why?
Cincinnati. It has Skyline Chili, duh!

And, just to keep you in the loop, between the time that Kyle submitted our 500th application and the time it took to get this blog post up, we’re now already up over 600! Keep ‘em comin’!

NOTE: We’re pretty close to done here, with this whole summer application thing.  The server closes on Monday, March 3 at 5PM PST.  After that, you’ll be waiting until next year.  Get those applications submitted now!  Spread the word!

Wow! That was fast! Here’s #250:

Name: Russell Cohen
School: Concord Academy (Class of 2009)
Time of Submission: Thursday, January 31, 1:14 PM EST

1. How did you first hear about Breakthrough?
   I heard about Breakthrough through my mom, who is a trustee of the Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation, which has given grants to the Cambridge branch in the past.
2. What about teaching with Breakthrough is so exciting for you?
   The most exciting part about teaching with Breakthrough for me is the opportunity to experiment with teaching, an occupation I see as a potential career path.
3. What are some of your career interests?
   I am interested in entering the computer science field, as programmer, a teacher, or both.
4. Describe your personality in three words.
   self-motivated, curious, enthusiastic
5. If you were a U.S. city, what city would you be, and why?
   Boston’s abundant technology and plethora of musical opportunities parallels my 2 primary hobbies: computer science and music.

Russell will soon receive an AWESOME Breakthrough Nalgene bottle with handy Breakthrough carabiner attached (not for climbing!).

TeachBreakthroughs will also celebrate Applicants #500 and #1000.

The applications are rolling in, so please take this opportunity to refer your friends to the application, and please become a fan of the Facebook page. Selections are happening now!

As you well know, we are currently accepting applications to teach summer 2008.

The application is live, and you are our best ambassadors. Tell your cousins, friends, neighbors, siblings, worst-enemy-that-you-respect-nonetheless-for-their-sincerity-though-you-disagree-on-certain-key-issues, etc. We are serious about always strengthening our teacher corps, and you know who in your Facebook Friend list/T-Mobile 5/Slam Poetry Team belongs with Breakthrough.

Send them a note, give them a call, and send them to http://www.breakthroughcollaborative.org/apply/

That is all. Go about your day.

Bobby

PS: if you want to do us a big favor, you could post this link to your Facebook page, as I have: http://www.teachbreakthroughs.org/2007/10/application-is-open.html