What We Do

Thrive Teacher Coaching

Teachers shape tomorrow’s leaders, and at Breakthrough Birmingham, we’re here to support the meaningful work you do today.

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Teachers Learning From Teachers

Breakthrough Birmingham’s Thrive Teacher Coaching program offers a holistic, cohort style, year-long coaching experience that supports first- and second-year teachers with respect, encouragement and a safe space to grow. With mentorship from experienced educators, we help reduce burnout and create a sustainable, fulfilling career path in teaching. We’re here to help you Thrive.

Alabama’s Need For Thrive

Reversing the effects of inequities within our education system is a huge undertaking. The numbers don’t lie, but there is something we can do about it.

52%

of new teachers in Alabama leave the profession within the first 3 years

65%

of new teachers in Birmingham leave the classroom within the first 3 years

58%

drop in students seeking education degrees since 2003

Here at Breakthrough Birmingham, our proven track record for igniting and sustaining passion in new educators is owed to our “teachers-coaching-teachers” model. Retired veteran educators support early-career teachers, helping them thrive while maintaining work/life balance.

Start Your Application

Thrive Coaches help those who love teaching continue to nurture that passion. Our 10-month program complements existing school-based instructional coaching with consistent professional mentorship. Participating teachers will receive a $3,000 stipend over the course of the program for their time commitment to the program.

Our Thrive Program effectively supports new teachers by focusing on three core principles: relationships, growth and wellness.

Relationships

Our teachers promote & maintain positive classroom cultures by implementing effective classroom procedures and responsive teaching practices, resulting in a less stressful workplace.

GROWTH

Teachers will effectively prepare lessons, analyze student data and differentiate instruction using sustainable strategies to drive learning.

WELLNESS

We promote work/life balance by reducing time spent working outside school hours.

We aim to support you professionally — helping you create and maintain a positive classroom culture — while investing in you as a person. That’s why our Thrive Teachers:

  • Are compensated for their time
  • Participate over 10 months (Jan-May and Aug-Dec) with an small cohort of peers
  • Receive 100+ hours of bi-weekly observations, professional development and individual feedback from retired educators
  • Strengthen professional skills, assess student growth and find work/life balance
Start Your Application

At Breakthrough Birmingham, we focus on three key areas to support teachers. Each element helps you grow in your role and make a lasting impact in the classroom.

Observations

We conduct in-person classroom observations during school hours twice a month. These sessions provide a complete feedback cycle, giving you actionable insights to grow and refine your teaching practices.

Development

Our monthly development workshops bring you together with your cohort in a mix of in-person and virtual settings. Held outside of school hours, these sessions foster collaboration, share strategies, and build on your professional skills.

Office Hours

Weekly virtual check-ins offer one-on-one time with a coach to focus on your growth and goals. These personalized sessions occur outside school hours, providing the flexibility you need to thrive.