Become a Coach

Guiding and Growing the Next Generation of Educators

Instructional Coaches play a mission-critical role at Breakthrough, guiding and growing our Teaching Fellows throughout their nine-week summer Fellowship. Through consistent, values-aligned coaching, they help Fellows build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in the classroom—and beyond.

Grounded in research-based practices, Instructional Coaches set clear goals for teaching and learning while using proven coaching strategies to support each Fellow’s growth. They help create a culture of collaboration, reflection, and accountability, ensuring every student receives high-quality instruction.

Instructional Coaches report high satisfaction:

92% rated their overall Breakthrough experience as “Good” or “Excellent”
95% would recommend Breakthrough to a colleague interested in coaching

Instructional Coaches not only strengthen the impact of our Teaching Fellows, but also help advance Breakthrough’s mission to inspire and develop future leaders in education.

Apply to Become an Instructional Coach

To apply for summer 2026, please fill out the application below:

2026 Instructional Coach Application

2026 Site Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about applying to Breakthrough as an instructional coach?
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions are below.

Instructional Coach

Do I have to be a teacher to apply?

Yes, coaches are professional educators with at least several years of classroom experience. Retired teachers are also eligible to apply.

How do I select sites?

We recommend candidates apply to their local affiliate or in a location where they are able to provide their own housing. Unfortunately, housing is not available for instructional coaches.

Are instructional coaches paid?

Coaches receive a stipend. Complete details can be found in our Instructional Coach Site Directory, available in October 2026.

What are the dates of the summer session?

Program dates vary from site to site. Complete details can be found in our Instructional Coach Site Directory, available in October 2026.

Application Process

To apply for summer 2026, please fill out the 2026 Instructional Coach application.

What are the deadlines for applying to coach at Breakthrough?

Summer 2026 deadlines coming soon!

What should I include on my resume?

Provide a resume that you would submit for a full-time, professional teaching opportunity. Your resume should be comprehensive but not overly detailed. A general guideline is one to three pages, depending on years of experience.

Selection Process

What is the selection process like?

Following the submission of your application, you may be contacted for a classroom visit or a video submission of a sample teaching presentation, an interview, and/or a mock coaching session. You will be contacted directly by a director if you advance to the next stage in the selection process.

How quickly will I receive a decision?

Summer 2026 application dates coming soon!