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The University of Pittsburgh/Falk Laboratory School is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Communications Coordinator

Falk Laboratory School, an independent K-8 school located on the University of Pittsburgh campus, is seeking a Communications Coordinator who will be responsible for documenting and disseminating information about all aspects of Falk’s programming and activities. This includes all marketing, communications, and branding efforts for both internal and external audiences. Collaborating with Falk administration, faculty, and staff, the Communications Coordinator is the lead in writing, editing, and producing a variety of strategic and operational communications including newsletters, website content, social media campaigns, internal messaging, development and fundraising appeals, and other print materials.

Specific duties include:

Content Development: Create unique and dynamic content that documents life at Falk to be shared on a variety of platforms, as well as outward facing media, including special interest and feature stories for the school website and social media.
Schoolwide Communications: Develop and publish all-school correspondences, as well as provide assistance in classroom and division messaging. This includes the weekly all-school e-mail newsletter, important school announcements, and managing the school’s emergency alert system.
Marketing and Constituent Outreach: Collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders to create compelling materials for public distribution, including admissions brochures and other print materials, as well as print, radio, and other advertising. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in the development of materials for fundraising and stewardship, as well as editing the annual alumni magazine.
Digital Communications: Design, manage, format, and maintain content on Falk’s website, as well as serve as the lead administrator on all of the School’s social media platforms.

The Communications Coordinator role is a full-time, 12-month position and reports to Falk’s Director of Administrative Operations. Salary is commensurate with experience, and as a department of the University of Pittsburgh, Falk offers excellent benefits.

Qualifications:

Excellent written communication skills, spelling, grammar, and a creative sense of design.
Organization, project management abilities, and the ability to work independently.
A high level of professionalism and discretion.
Basic familiarity with Microsoft Word, with preferred proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.
A working knowledge of website content management systems and social media platforms.
Additionally, Falk invites candidates with other skills that would enhance the storytelling of the school, such as basic photography and/or videography and editing, podcasting, etc.

For full consideration, please upload the following with your application:

Resume
Cover letter
Recent writing sample (500 words, maximum)

Candidates invited for a live interview will be required to provide a portfolio.

Offer of employment is contingent on the candidate satisfactorily obtaining and passing the following before commencement of appointment: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check. Candidates must also submit proof of a negative TB test before their first day of work if hired. Also, as Act 168 of 2014 requires, the candidate must satisfy the requirements on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form.

Job Summary

Develops routine web and print content and marketing. Creates varied presentations for communications team and diverse marketing materials for marketing team. Ensures consistent messaging and maintains University brand and style.

For more information or to apply, view this position on the University's Talent Center webpage

Behavioral Intervention Specialist (K-8)

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Behavioral Intervention Specialist to work collaboratively with students, teachers, and families to help facilitate positive interactions within the school environment, allowing all students to integrate behaviorally into the school setting successfully. The Behavioral Intervention Specialist has the training to address behaviors that create barriers to learning and healthy relationships in the school. This person will provide direct and consultative services in the school setting for responsive, preventative, and interventive purposes. In addition, the Behavioral Intervention Specialist works directly with identified students to develop and self-sustain positive behaviors that support their growth academically and behaviorally. Under the supervision of the director of Student Services and Division directors, the Behavioral Intervention Specialist will provide diversified strategies and activities specifically designed for identified students. This position will start in August 2024.

Salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience. Falk Laboratory School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits.

Responsibilities:

Collaborating with school personnel to communicate and uphold universal school expectations to effectively include social validity and equitable support.
Working with faculty to develop classroom practices that support student growth and engagement.
When necessary, identify, measure, and respond to challenging behaviors, including antecedents and follow-through.
Facilitating team meetings with the identified student’s teachers and parents to complete a Functional Behavioral Assessment.
Attending regular Student Services team meetings and collaborating with other members (learning specialists, counselors, and the Director of Student Services) to determine effective plans for individual students.
Develop a repertoire of assessment strategies consistent with instructional goals, teaching methods, and individual student needs to assess student behavior skills and understandings accurately.
Establishing relationships and communicating with teachers, administrators, and family members.
Work as a team member to establish and show commitment towards a restorative practices program at Falk.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience supporting behavior in either a school or therapeutic setting. Counseling experience is not required, but is considered a plus.
Knowledge of function-based intervention planning for developing positive interactions across all environments.
Knowledge of techniques needed to complete effective Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), function–based interventions, and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
Knowledge in using assessment and assessment data to inform instruction and prescribe work plans for individual students.
Ascribes to the philosophy that all children can succeed and demonstrates the commitment to do what is necessary to make this a reality.
Demonstrates an inquiry stance approach to behavioral support.
Strong knowledge of culturally responsive practices.
Possesses training to take relevant data to help track and modify inappropriate behavior.
Prepared to develop, implement, and maintain student data collection and progress monitoring system for students with behavior disorders and other exceptionalities.
A commitment to restorative practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; Master's Degree in special education (or related field) preferred
PA state school counseling certification K-8 (or similar) preferred
Elementary/middle school experience is advantageous, and interesting work and/or educational experience in psychology and counseling is beneficial for the position
Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis is a plus

For more information or to apply, view this position on the University's Talent Center webpage

Learning Specialist (K-8)

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Learning Specialist (K-8) to work with children with various learning profiles and challenges, emphasizing support for their educational needs. The candidate must have empathy for and a genuine interest in developing positive education experiences for elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities, executive function difficulties, and other learning differences. Collaboration across disciplines and grade levels is essential to this position. This position will start in August 2024.

Salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience. Falk Laboratory School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits. Please direct any questions to the search committee chair, Ms. Samantha Schmitt, at [email protected]. The review of applications will begin in the Spring of 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Among the professional duties of an Instructional Specialist are the following:

Collaborate with staff members and parents/guardians to create and implement intervention programs that maximize students’ access to the general education content
Administer educational screeners and diagnostic testing in both reading and mathematics to identify students who could benefit from remedial instruction
Develop and teach motivating, engaging lessons that are grounded in best practices and are appropriate to students’ ages, grade levels, and abilities
Create modifications and adaptations to support instruction
Observe, evaluate, and prepare reports on students’ progress

Qualified applicants will meet the following criteria:

Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree (or graduate work towards a Master's degree) strongly preferred
Current Pennsylvania state certification (or similar) in the field of Special Education preferred
Several years of satisfactory teaching experience in a school environment preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Effective organization and time-management skills
Certification in Wilson reading instruction will be considered a plus

For more information or to apply, view this position on the University's Talent Center webpage

Director of Student Services (K-8)

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Director of Student Services to provide leadership and support in meeting the tiered needs of students in behavioral development, academic development, and student social, emotional, and mental well-being. This person analyzes the needs of students across all levels at Falk Laboratory School and assists personnel in developing, implementing, and exploring the ongoing effectiveness of school counseling and educational support. This is a 12-month position with an anticipated start date of Summer 2024.

Specific responsibilities include:

Communicating with Intermediate Unit (IU)/other external supports.
Coordinating student evaluations and referrals.
Collecting and maintaining student data.
Facilitating meetings with families, students, and teachers.
Overseeing educational support funds.
Planning and coordinating professional development for student services team members and Falk faculty when applicable.
Coordinating with external service providers (doctors, etc.).
Ensuring continuity of care for students.
Developing long-term strategic goals for the student services team and serving as a strategic advisor to the School Director and member of the School Administrative Leadership Group.
Working with other administrators to continue developing and refining tiers of support and code of conduct.
Supervising student services team members, including 7 full-time faculty members comprising counselors, specialists, and interventionists.
Work with division directors to ensure classroom teachers implement student accommodation plans.
Supporting learning differentiation in classrooms.
Developing and managing student support teacher schedules to meet each student's instructional needs and priorities.
Regularly updating other academic teams on the needs and progress of students receiving support.
Being in partnership with student households to ensure continuity of services both in and outside the School

Salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience. Falk Laboratory School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits. Please direct any questions to the search committee chair, Dr. Jill Sarada, at [email protected]. The review of applications will begin in the Spring of 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Qualifications

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead people and provide direction.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Student Services and its best practices.
Knowledge of federal and state legislation related to educational programming for students with needs, IDEA, Title II, Title IV.
Understanding of child development, cultural diversity, and family systems.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and colleagues.
Ability to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a diverse workplace with your ideas and experience.
Excellent time management skills.
Ability to work as an independent self-starter.
Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed.
Demonstrates an open-mindedness, curiosity, and ability to hold multiple perspectives.

For more information or to apply, view this position on the University's Talent Center webpage

Academic Interventionist (K-8)

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Academic Interventionist (K-8) to provide supplemental individual and small-group instruction to children with various learning profiles and challenges, emphasizing support for their educational needs. The primary role of the interventionist is to provide support to students in need of Tier 3 support.  This position will start in August 2024.

Specific responsibilities include:

Consult frequently with classroom teachers on matters relating to academic instruction.
Implementing progress-monitoring instruments.
Designing and implementing research and evidence-based Tier 3 interventions, including Wilson or other specialized intervention programs.
Keeping households informed as to the strengths and progress of the students.
Collaborating with staff members and parents/guardians to create and implement intervention programs that maximize students’ access to the general education content.
Attending regular Student Services team meetings and collaborating with other members (learning specialists, counselors, and the Director of Student Services) to determine effective plans for individual students.
Seeking continuous professional development opportunities to strengthen knowledge base and skill set.
Monitoring, reporting, and communicating student progress and performance.
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Ability to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a diverse workplace with your ideas and experience.
Strong knowledge of culturally responsive practices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Effective organization and time-management skills

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education required, Master’s degree or work towards a degree preferred.
Current PA state certification (or similar) is required; certification in the field of special education is preferred.
Several years of satisfactory teaching experience in a school environment
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Effective organization and time-management skills

For more information or to apply, view this position on the University's Talent Center webpage

Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks a full-time, experienced, dynamic Language Arts Teacher for the next academic year, beginning August 2024.

Candidates should have successful teaching experience in middle or high school English/Language Arts classrooms and experience in Language Arts curriculum design and/or implementation. The educator filling these roles will be responsible for continuing to develop a program that features Progressive ideas about Language Arts instruction.  The successful candidate will have a strong vision for dynamic approaches to Language Arts education, strong collaborative skills, and a willingness to support educational research.  Strong oral and written communication skills will be required to frame and present the complex world of Language Arts pedagogy to various audiences.  

Salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience. Falk School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits.

Qualified applicants will meet the following criteria:

Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree or work towards a degree preferred.
Current Pennsylvania state instructional certification or equivalent is preferred.
Either middle or high school teaching experience or equivalent coursework is required.
Broad experience is advantageous, as collaboration across disciplines and grade levels is valued at our school.
Highly creative work experience in the field of Language Arts is an asset

Materials can be uploaded to join.pitt.edu. For full consideration, please submit:

Letter of application
Resume
An educational philosophy that includes ideal classroom experiences in language arts
Three letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
PA instructional certificate or equivalent

For more information or to apply, view this position on the University's Talent Center webpage

K-8 Substitute Teacher

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is accepting applications for Substitute Teacher Positions for the 2023–24 school year. Applications in all certification areas are welcome including Elementary, Secondary, and Subject area specializations.

For more information or to apply, view this position on the University's Talent Center webpage

In About Falk

Work With Us

Communications Coordinator

Behavioral Intervention Specialist (K-8)

Learning Specialist (K-8)

Director of Student Services (K-8)

Academic Interventionist (K-8)

Middle School Language Arts Teacher

K-8 Substitute Teacher

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