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When giving out the student of the summer award, I felt so much pride for my student! They really truly deserved it and it was just them being themselves. Seeing him light up with the surprise was amazing.

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I took a lot of feedback from my IC and any other TF's. I think that helps a lot in terms of Overall Growth. For leadership development, just make sure you're not shying away from leadership because it can be fun & turn out fun!

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If you're considering a career in teaching 

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If you're considering a career in teaching 

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This is the program for you!

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Breakthrough will ask you to go above and beyond many times, and some of the activities BTH will ask you to do will apparently have little purpose. Try to find the purpose and reason why we do cheers outside, stay late to talk about the kids, or spend time writing kudos at the end of the day. This will help protect you from being bitter. Your kids can tell when you don't want to do something, and it will rub off on them. So buy in! And this will ripple on to those around you, too.

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My favorite memory is taking a field trip to NASA. I enjoyed seeing the kids learn about space exploration.

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When students add things to the spirit stick because of something you did with them in your class, that's a sure sign you are making a positive impact on their lives and motivation to learn! One time, a student added loteria boards to the stick because we played a loteria math review and he absolutely loved it:) Best feeling ever!

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Encourage ideas and thoughts in the classroom, but do so with a designated time. Don't let them blurt out but take time to let them get all their relatable (to the material) thoughts out.

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Don't be afraid to put your opinions or solutions out there. It can be scary to think you could possibly be dismissed, but it's better to present multiple solutions to problems than nobody having a solution. Also, if nobody is leading a group/discussion, don't be afraid to take on the role yourself.

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Just immerse yourself in the program and watch yourself grow like crazy

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Just immerse yourself in the program and watch yourself grow like crazy

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Definitely establish a clear division between work and your personal life. It's okay to do some stuff at home (for hours LOL), BUT don't make it something that completely takes over your life. Give yourself boundaries (ex. only spending 2 hrs on BTH stuff after BTH) because it can be really easy to lose that distinction between the two as the weeks pass!

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Delegate and trust in your coworkers, or have conversations about trusting your coworkers.

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Delegate and trust in your coworkers, or have conversations about trusting your coworkers.

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People are going to be your most valuable resources this summer. Learn when you should let go and when you need to step up. Your greatest assets are your department teammates, so don't be afraid to ask for help, split the work, and give each other advice

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BT is BBOOOOMM dynamite- it propels you towards becoming a leader by all the work they give you. In the end, it's all for everyone's benefit

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BT is BBOOOOMM dynamite- it propels you towards becoming a leader by all the work they give you. In the end, it's all for everyone's benefit

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Talk to other teachers and students you see least! You might make some great bonds!

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having some hobbies to do after work is helpful and relaxing after a full day of dealing with kids!

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You won't be recognized for quite a good portion of the hard work you put in, but know that the students see and appreciate it, even though they work very hard not to show it!

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Do you have a secret (or not-so-secret) passion? Use your skills and interests to make Breakthrough better! Be creative and innovative. Don't be afraid to take the lead on a project, lesson plan, or committee. You can provide so many unique views to our program. Please don't be satisfied with the bare-minimum. Reach for the stars and continue to grow!

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Especially for partner/group work--> At the start of class, assign stronger/more talkative students to sit with the not as strong/less talkative students. The stronger student can be a great (and less stress inducing lol) teacher than you

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Especially for partner/group work--> At the start of class, assign stronger/more talkative students to sit with the not as strong/less talkative students. The stronger student can be a great (and less stress inducing lol) teacher than you

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Use your department time wisely. Yeah it's fun to chat with coworkers during department time, but actually focusing and getting things done during this time is going to be better in the long run when you don't have to stay late every night. Also, be on top of your work! Set goals, make checklists, do whatever you need to do to be successful. Also, don't be afraid to hold others accountable. If someone on your team isn't pulling their weight, talk to them about it to find a solution.

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It is important to know when to shut off for the day. So, make sure to get work done early and on time. Staying after and leaving with little to no work to do at home is super helpful. Experiment and find what works for you!

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Take all the feedback you can get. These students see you as a role model to their academic journey, so be it! YOU are the leader of the classroom! By the end of the summer you will have 100% understood what it means to be a leader.

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One of our family's students led a cheer this summer. After going up to the front, they struggled to get started on the cheer, probably out of nerves. We cheered them on two times, but it was amazing seeing the growth happen in real time. They kept trying, and other students supported them whenever they got discouraged. I thought this was literally a "breakthrough" moment.

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Value your routine and hobbies-- hold yourself accountable to them! Limit your tv hours, and schedule SPECIFIC times/days that you're going to call family or friends, read, go for a run, crochett, etc.

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Just get to know them and they will know that you actually care about them

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Just get to know them and they will know that you actually care about them

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Don't let BT completely take over your life. dedicate time to sleeping and eating. Never give up your absolute needs, but remain willing to make sacrifices with some leisure time.

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Don't let BT completely take over your life. dedicate time to sleeping and eating. Never give up your absolute needs, but remain willing to make sacrifices with some leisure time.

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breakthrough really helps expose you to a lot of very fast growth. i have changed as a person immensely since i joined the program in ways that i couldnt have imagined two months ago

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kids really like when they can see they're doing a good job! using things like checks/stickers/etc. can really help with motivation to keep them wanting to participate and complete their work in class. also clear instructions are so incredibly important, even if you think it's easy and simple enough make it simpler.

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kids really like when they can see they're doing a good job! using things like checks/stickers/etc. can really help with motivation to keep them wanting to participate and complete their work in class. also clear instructions are so incredibly important, even if you think it's easy and simple enough make it simpler.

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Breakthrough is a one-of-a-kind experience. All of your hard work will be so worth it when you see the difference you are making in these kids lives. Middle schoolers can seem scary, but they're really just silly and want you to see them as soon-to-be adults.

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It was so nice to see the students exhibit perseverance & determination in a setting that wasn't just academic! I was so impressed with all the times they got back up after falling. Even if they fell the entire time, they always continued trying and still had loads of fun.

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Seeing how interested the kids were and how amazed they got at the huge rockets was so fun!

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Make the program what you want by putting in all the effort, joy & enthusiasm you can! The students are able to tell if you are committed to the spirit of Breakthrough and they are looking to you as an example!

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Poll your kids one the first day and see what they're interested in, what motivates them, what passions they have outside of the classroom. Then weave that information into your lessons to get engagement.

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remind students that you're proud of them all the time. give adequate feedback so that they'll actually grow

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remind students that you're proud of them all the time. give adequate feedback so that they'll actually grow

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Focus on ensuring that your lesson plan can be done in a timely manner. Meanwhile, make sure there is room for error if a student doesn't quite understand the material.

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the interactive zoo. seeing the kids be fascinated by the animals and interacting with them!

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the interactive zoo. seeing the kids be fascinated by the animals and interacting with them!

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these are times when you get to see the students outside of a normal classroom setting and you really have the opportunity to get to know them as people

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it's so fun to chat with coworkers but get that stuff done at school so you have less to take home!

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Have fun with the kids! Channeling your inner child can help you connect with the students and get them excited to learn. However, you have to establish boundaries with respect. The kids shouldn't be calling your "bro." Don't sacrifice that respect in order to get on the kids' good sides.

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If you have questions don't be afraid to talk to your IC. It's why they're there. Also, when they give feedback make sure you're actually using it.

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Be sure to gauge how students are feeling about a particular lesson, maybe how they're feeling that day (energy wise), and their base knowledge! This will help a lot with planning a lesson & building from those things

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your students are all smart. there is no such thing as a dumb kid, so please put away any and all biases and personalize your lessons to the needs of your kids

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Be as specific as possible when you lesson plan. However, understand that even the most intentionally planned lesson may not go as scheduled in the classroom, and that's okay! The more specific the lesson plan, the easier it will be to make real time adjustments in the classroom.

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Don't be afraid to put your foot down if a kid is acting up/needs to be more forcibly redirected. It's for their own (and their classmates') good

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Don't be afraid to put your foot down if a kid is acting up/needs to be more forcibly redirected. It's for their own (and their classmates') good

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show your personality! really get into the cheers and breakthrough culture!! giving more energy makes them feel more inclined to participate and chat with you 

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show your personality! really get into the cheers and breakthrough culture!! giving more energy makes them feel more inclined to participate and chat with you 

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Resourcefulness- Teachers Pay Teachers (tpt)

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Resourcefulness- Teachers Pay Teachers (tpt)

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Math teachers! Tpt has so so many free resources that you can pull to create a more engaging classroom, filled with activities that get the students up and out of their seats and excited to learn! My students' favorites were math murder mysteries, puzzles, mazes, color by numbers, and trasketball. It's not being "lazy" to pull resources...it's being resourceful and fun-ifying learning!

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roller skating, seeing and being seen falling

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roller skating, seeing and being seen falling

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Always set high expectations for your students, push them and help them grow, but never stop being their biggest supporter. Make sure the students know you are in their corner and only want the best for them!

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Breakthrough students are not like any other type of students you have met. These students are ones that have a passion and love for learning. A simple chat at lunch with them will make a life time of memories!

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It's easy to make bonds with the students, but you need to find the right balance. Anything you have in common, the kids will find it really cool.

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It's easy to make bonds with the students, but you need to find the right balance. Anything you have in common, the kids will find it really cool.

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planning for it, executing it, and watching the kids have fun!! Olympics was a blast

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The students (and myself) had an amazing time talking to and learning from NASA interns! It was so informative and inspirational.

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set boundaries but be fun and intentional about how you connect with them

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set boundaries but be fun and intentional about how you connect with them

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Be yourself! Don't try to force a relationship, but you should also make an effort. Students can tell if you're trying too hard and it will make them not want to approach you. However, if you don't talk to them at all, they won't approach you. Find the balance.

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You won't be able to bring 100% every day, and that's okay. You don't need to feel bad if you can only bring 75% on some days because it's still better than 0

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You won't be able to bring 100% every day, and that's okay. You don't need to feel bad if you can only bring 75% on some days because it's still better than 0

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Try to find things that they like and incorporate that into your lessons or things you do during class like an energizer or game

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The kids are diligent with the right direction and attitude! 

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The kids are diligent with the right direction and attitude! 

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breakthrough honestly forces you to take care of yourself. you need to find your healthy coping mechanism with the amount of pressure you might be facing!! its okay to step back and take a break. use your resources, a team is here for your success too :)

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Make sure you are leaning on all of your fellow TFs/TAs! Everyone is here to support you! Also you do not have to reinvent the wheel! It is ok to reuse ideas, search Teachers pay teachers and use google as a resource!

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be yourself!

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the kids want you to embarrass yourself so it makes them feel less nervous

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it's okay if you need extra support!! just be sure to communicate that with those around you 

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it's okay if you need extra support!! just be sure to communicate that with those around you 

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Be yourself! let students see your personality (incorporate fun/ relatable stuff in lessons) 

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Be yourself! let students see your personality (incorporate fun/ relatable stuff in lessons) 

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Be intentional about caring for yourself

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Be intentional about caring for yourself

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Carve out time each day to unwind and NOT work on and think about Breakthrough (eg. cooking, working out, going for a walk, spending time with a pet)

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Getting into the cheers and encouraging your students to do them too will make BTH more fun for you & everyone else!

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Don't be afraid to ask questions or give feedback 

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Don't be afraid to ask questions or give feedback 