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  

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

1.     Letter of application

2.     A Resume

3.     An educational philosophy statement

4.     Three letters of recommendation

5.     Official transcripts

6.     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.  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.

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.