by Catherine Wong, Associate Director & Manager of Programs, IRT
This August, IRT had the privilege of participating in Breakthrough Greater Boston Collaborative Careers in Education Fair at The Foundry in Cambridge, MA, where we connected with over 80 passionate undergraduate Teaching Fellows exploring their futures in education.
Making Meaningful Connections
Catherine Wong, IRT’s Associate Director & Manager of Programs, represented our organization at this inspiring event. The afternoon brought together a dynamic community of universities, colleges, and educational non-profits with this year’s Breakthrough Teaching Fellows. These were not only undergraduate college students but also individuals who had completed Breakthrough’s rigorous nine-week pre-professional teaching experience, gaining hands-on expertise in student-centered education practices.
Why This Event Matters
Breakthrough Collaborative’s Teaching Fellows represent exactly the kind of talent the education sector needs: diverse, motivated, and deeply committed to making a difference in students’ lives. The fair provided an invaluable platform for IRT to:
- Share insights about our organization and mission
- Discuss available opportunities and career paths
- Connect face-to-face with candidates who have already demonstrated their dedication to education
- Build relationships that extend beyond an application and resume submission
Looking Forward
Events like these remind us why we do this work. The energy and enthusiasm from the Teaching Fellows was inspiring, and we’re excited about the potential connections that may blossom into future collaborations. Many organizations reported that last year’s fair led to successful full-time placements—clear evidence to the quality of Breakthrough’s program and the power of bringing New England’s educational community together.
A Full-Circle Moment
The afternoon held special significance as Catherine reconnected with Dr. Tamarah Davis, now Breakthrough Boston’s Director of Curriculum & Instruction and an alumna from one of Catherine’s first Donovan Urban Teaching Scholar cohorts at Boston College. Tamarah spoke powerfully to the students about how graduate school transformed her life and opened doors of opportunity she never imagined possible.
(L-R) Tamarah Davis and Catherine Wong
Their ongoing relationship exemplifies the lasting impact of mentorship in education. Years later, Catherine and Tamarah remain in close contact—a testament to the enduring connections that shape careers and lives in our field. It was a beautiful reminder that the work we do today ripples forward in ways we can’t always predict.
We’re grateful to Carrah Olive-Hall, Chief of Staff and the team at Breakthrough Greater Boston Collaborative for creating this opportunity and to all the fellows who took the time to learn about IRT. Here’s to building the next generation of educational leaders, one meaningful conversation at a time.
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Institute for Recruitment of Teachers 