When Jesse first joined Breakthrough New York last summer as a Teaching Fellow, he was looking for meaningful classroom experience. What he found was something much bigger, which is why he chose to return this year.

Now a senior at NYU studying education, Jesse is continuing his work with students during the academic year. His decision to come back reflects both his commitment to educational equity and the impact the program had on him.

“I think the mission is what really settled it for me,” Jesse shares. “In theory, everyone has access to schooling. But in reality, especially in New York City, the transitions from elementary to middle school and from middle to high school require so much time and energy. Not every student has access to the resources they need to get the opportunities they deserve.”

At our Brooklyn site, Jesse teaches Project-Based Learning to eighth graders. The course is designed to give students ownership over their learning. Rather than assigning a fixed topic, students identify real issues that matter to them, from littering to gentrification, and spend the semester researching and developing community-oriented solutions.

“When you give students infinite possibilities, that can feel overwhelming at first,” Jesse explains. “But it has been incredible to see them narrow their focus, build confidence, and truly take ownership of their work.”

The course will culminate in student presentations later this spring, highlighting both their research and their growth.

For Jesse, one of the most meaningful parts of being a Teaching Fellow is building relationships. As a college student himself, he is closer in age to his students than many traditional educators, which helps create strong connections. “The first step to getting through to students is building a foundation of relationship,” he says. “When they know you care and you are invested, everything else follows.”

Each class begins with a simple question of the day to build community and check in. Combined with small class sizes, this allows Jesse to work closely with each student and better understand their interests and goals.

When asked what makes Breakthrough students unique, his answer is immediate.

“Their dedication to their own futures.”

Our students complete a full school day, commute to their Breakthrough site, and arrive ready to engage. That energy transforms the classroom. “The students make the experience. Without the energy they bring, especially at the end of a long school day, it would not be nearly as vibrant or impactful.”

For Jesse, returning to Breakthrough has strengthened his desire to pursue a career in education. For our students, it means learning from someone who believes deeply in their potential. And for our community of supporters, it is a reminder that your investment supports both student growth and the next generation of educators committed to equity and opportunity.