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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.

Behavioral Intervention Specialist (K-8)

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Behavior 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 Behavior 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 Behavior 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 Behavior 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 

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.

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

School Librarian (K–8)

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, seeks a full-time, experienced, and dynamic school librarian for the next academic year beginning August 2024. 

The mission of the library is twofold:

  • One is to nurture a love of reading and an appreciation of literature and stories;
  • two, to help patrons develop their ability to find, evaluate, and apply information that helps them function effectively as individuals and participate successfully and meaningfully in society.

Our vision for the library is that it is a vibrant space where all people feel welcomed and supported in exploring their passions and curiosity through books, stories, and research; a place that will nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving; and a central commons for building community, developing empathy, and pursuing social justice.

Specific duties include collaborating with peer librarians to support the mission and vision, including:

  • Design and implement inquiry-based learning experiences and assessments.
  • Create an environment conducive to active learning, resource-based instruction, and collaboration.
  • Promote and develop curricula that include the full range of literacy skills necessary for lifelong learners.
  • Work collaboratively with other education professionals to support the learning needs of students.
  • Evaluate, promote, and use technologies to support teaching and learning that provide access to resources.
  • Work to align the library program with state and national best practices.
  • Advocate for the library program and guiding principles of the library profession.
  • Manage and supervise library staff (undergraduate and graduate college students) and parent volunteers.

A Master's Degree or demonstrated work towards a master's degree in an accredited library and information science program is preferred. Pennsylvania state school librarian certification is a plus, and strong consideration will be given to candidates with experience working with school-aged children.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as demonstrated leadership and management experience, are essential. 

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

Spanish Teacher (K–8)

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, seeks a full-time, experienced, and dynamic Spanish teacher (K-8) for the next academic year beginning August 2024. 

The educator filling this role will be responsible for continuing to develop a program that features progressive ideas about Spanish instruction.  The successful candidate will have a vision for dynamic approaches to Spanish education, excellent collaborative skills, and a willingness to support and engage in educational research.  Demonstrated proficiency in speaking, writing, and reading Spanish will be expected.  

A Bachelor's Degree is required. A Master's Degree or demonstrated work towards a master's degree in Spanish teacher education or a related field is preferred. Teaching experience with elementary and/or middle school students is required—knowledge and experience with ACTFL standards and proficiency levels are preferred. Broad experience is advantageous, as participation across disciplines and grade levels is valued at our school; specific experience with middle school students is preferred. Highly creative work experience in Spanish Language pedagogy is an asset.

For full consideration, submit (1) a letter of application, (2) a resume, (3) an educational philosophy, (4) three letters of recommendation, (5) transcripts, (6) PA teaching certification. 

The salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience. Falk School, affiliated with the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits. 

Please direct questions to the search committee chair, Ms. Diana Dimitrovski, at [email protected]. The review of applications will begin in the early Spring of 2024 and continue until the position is filled.  

Offers of employment are contingent on the candidate satisfactorily obtaining and passing the following before appointment: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, and proof of a negative TB test.  Also, as Act 168 of 2014 requires, the candidate must satisfy the requirements stated on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form. 

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

K–8 Art Teacher

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 laboratory school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh, seeks a full-time, experienced, and dynamic K-8 art teacher for the next academic year beginning August 2024. 

Ideal candidates should have experience designing and implementing curriculum, working with diverse students with varied learning styles and levels of mastery, engaging children and adolescents in meaningful, process-oriented artmaking, and maintaining a nurturing, student-centered classroom environment.  Responsibilities will include active teaching and community responsibilities. Candidates should have strong oral and written communication skills, be reflective, and be able to develop collaborative relationships with students, parents, faculty, and the arts community.  Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of traditional and contemporary art, evidence of being a practicing artist, and an understanding of the Reggio Approach and progressive education.  

A Master's Degree or demonstrated work towards a master's degree in art education or equivalent coursework is preferred.  Broad experience is advantageous, as partnering across disciplines and grade levels is valued at our school.  Highly creative work experience in middle-level art education is an asset.

For full consideration, submit (1) a letter of application, (2) a resume, (3) an educational philosophy that includes the use of technology with children, (4) three letters of recommendation, (5) transcripts, (6) PA teaching certification.

A portfolio that includes personal art samples and examples of teaching will be requested if invited to interview.

Offer of employment is contingent on the candidate satisfactorily obtaining and passing the following prior to 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 prior to their first day of work if hired.  Also, as Act 168 of 2014 requires, the candidate must satisfy the requirements stated on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form.

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

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