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.

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.

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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.

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

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

drop in students seeking education degrees since 2003

Thrive Is Different

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.

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How We Support Teacher Success

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.

What Guides Thrive

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.

What to Expect

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 a 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

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How It Works

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.

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.

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.

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.