Director, Fanny Edel Laboratory School

Director

Fanny Edel Falk Laboratory School (Falk) invites nominations and applications for the position of Director.

Falk is a K-8 tuition-based campus laboratory school affiliated with the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Since 1931, Falk has been known for providing a learning environment that is grounded in community, diversity, progressive and experiential education, individualized instruction and a low student-teacher ratio. Falk’s commitment to progressive education principles means that the school community has a child-centered approach to learning that focuses on the social, emotional and academic needs of each individual. It also means an emphasis on collaboration, intrinsic motivation, and active learning. Instruction revolves around an inquiry-based model that invites children to reflect upon and take ownership of their learning. Falk, whose facilities include a new green design wing which houses new classrooms, an art studio, computer lab, science lab, outdoor terraces, and a library with 16,000 volumes, is located on the University campus in Pittsburgh’s vibrant Oakland neighborhood. Pittsburgh was recently ranked by CNBC as the “#1 City to Relocate to in America” and the “Most Livable City in America” by Forbes Magazine.

The Director will report to Dr. Valerie Kinloch, Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, and work in partnership with Falk’s School Board, which Dr. Kinloch chairs. Managing a budget of just over $7 million, the Director will sustain a progressive vision for Falk, maintaining a sense of innovation while leading a community of 65 engaged, talented, and dedicated faculty and staff. The Director is responsible for overseeing the School’s academic program, enrollment, strategic and campus planning, fiscal sustainability, and fundraising. The strongest candidate will be an educator with a deep commitment to the experimental nature of laboratory schools as well as an in-depth understanding of the important relationship between a laboratory school and a university. An ethics of care for students, families, faculty, and staff, as well as a collaborative approach to leadership and a commitment to equity and justice will all be important qualities for the next Director to possess. A terminal degree, or significant progress towards one, is strongly preferred, as the Director, like all Falk faculty, will have an affiliated appointment as a faculty member in the School of Education.

The start date for this position is July 1, 2022. Review of applications will begin immediately. For best consideration, please send all nominations, applications (CV and letter of interest), or questions to:

Nishant Mehta, Managing Director & Independent Schools Practice Leader

Lisa Solinsky, Senior Associate

Storbeck Search

FalkDirector@storbecksearch.com

For more information about Falk Laboratory School, please visit https://falkschool.pitt.edu/.

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