Frequently Asked Questions

Falk Laboratory School, a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Educational Support teacher to work collaboratively with students, teachers, and families to help facilitate positive interactions within the school environment, allowing all students to integrate behaviorally into an inclusive school setting. 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 Educational Support teacher 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 teacher will provide diversified strategies and activities specifically designed for identified students.  This position will start in August 2024. 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 is advantageous. 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 Elementary/middle school experience is advantageous, and interesting work and/or educational experience in psychology and counseling is beneficial for the position. Materials can be uploaded to join.pitt.edu. For full consideration, please submit:  Letter of application  A Resume An educational philosophy statement Three letters of recommendation Official transcripts PA instructional certificate or equivalent The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The starting salary for this position is $50,000 with additional credit based on experience. 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.

FANNY EDEL FALK LABORATORY SCHOOL University of Pittsburgh 4060 Allequippa Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 www.falkschool.pitt.edu ​ Position Announcement 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 jill.sarada@pit.edu. 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. Minimum requirements Master’s degree in special education, counseling, or similar study area. Minimum 9 years classroom experience; administrative leadership experience preferred. Materials can be uploaded to join.pit.edu. For full consideration, please submit: Letter of application A Resume An educational philosophy that includes ideal classroom experiences in language arts Three letters of recommendation Official transcripts PA instructional certificate or equivalent The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 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. If hired, candidates must also submit proof of a negative TB test before their first day of work. 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. For full consideration, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae/resume, an educational philosophy, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and PA instructional certificate or equivalent. The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.