Last month, program staff from across the Breakthrough network came together for Spring Training 2025, a hybrid professional development experience designed to prepare teams for the critical work of supporting Teaching Fellows this summer. The event kicked off with a three-day, in-person gathering in Chicago, followed by a week of virtual sessions that reached participants from every one of Breakthrough’s 25 affiliate sites.
At the heart of the training was Breakthrough Instructional Training (BIT)—a 13-part workshop series that equips Teaching Fellows with the skills, mindsets, and instructional practices necessary to succeed in the classroom. BIT also offers a clear introduction to Breakthrough’s mission, culture, and learning environment, providing a shared language that unites staff and Teaching Fellows across the network.
For returning and new staff alike, Spring Training offers a train-the-trainer approach, giving site teams the tools and confidence to deliver BIT sessions with fidelity while also adapting them to their local context. As one participant shared,
“I really appreciated the opportunity to work after the sessions so that I could think about how I could best implement the ideas at my site. The chance to share ideas and new ways of approaching the work was also helpful.” – Affiliate Participant
In addition to BIT, attendees participated in a range of programmatic sessions focused on site planning and collaboration. Highlights included workshops on designing targeted orientation schedules, developing effective communication strategies, and onboarding Teaching Fellows with clarity and purpose.
This year, the training also introduced several new resources to support academic programming and summer planning—including four 9th-grade curriculum units, SAT/ACT test prep tools, and early high school success resources. These additions reflect Breakthrough’s continued investment in preparing students not just for middle school success, but for long-term academic progress and postsecondary access.
The energy and engagement throughout the training underscored the power of bringing Breakthrough’s network together. As another participant noted,
“I am so appreciative of having such a dynamic group of staff to help us be better with BIT! Thank you all for the time and energy you put into making sure we are better prepared for the summer.” – Affiliate Participant
And for many, it was the spirit of collaboration that stood out most:
“Thank you for making this time so valuable! I feel like I have so many great things to take back to my site and implement right away.” – Affiliate Participant
With 100% affiliate participation in virtual sessions and strong in-person representation, Spring Training 2025 laid a solid foundation for what’s ahead. As our teams prepare to welcome more than 1,000 Teaching Fellows this summer, this shared preparation helps ensure that Fellows—and the students they serve—receive the consistent, high-quality experience that defines Breakthrough.
