Director ’ s Message
W hen we asked Falk Laboratory School families recently what factors made them choose Falk , two of the top three answers given —“ faculty care and concern ” and “ the quality of teaching ”— centered around Falk ’ s teachers .
Teaching is at the heart of what we do at Falk . It extends from the thoughtful attention teachers give their students to the training that student teachers receive at Falk each year . So many of the fond memories we hear from our alumni focus on teachers who made a difference , whose words and examples former students recall even decades after leaving Falk . To see our amazing teachers valued so highly by our families is immensely gratifying .
But in the field of education , that recognition is the exception to the norm , nationally and even internationally . As you may be aware , there is a significant and growing teacher shortage . The Department of Education has reported that after certifying more than 16,000 teachers a decade ago , in 2021 , it certified just 4,000 new teachers . On top of the precipitous decline of teachers entering the field , more teachers are leaving the profession each year , citing factors ranging from poor compensation to a perceived lack of respect and agency .
Falk is not immune to these challenges . Over the past several years , a number of faculty members have left the field , relocated , or left Falk to pursue other opportunities .
We are addressing the teacher shortage in several ways , from working to improve teacher compensation to including faculty voices in our decision making and elevating their expertise as we set our future course . We continue to encourage teachers ’ professional inquiries through our research fellowship , which supports original research questions that help to deepen teachers ’ practice . And our professional development program encourages teachers ’ efforts to continue sharpening their craft and to stay up to date in their fields .
In this second issue of En Avant , we wanted to share just a few stories of Falk ’ s expert teachers at work , turning the focus on the intention and dedication they bring to their craft .
In this issue , you ’ ll find stories of our teachers drawing on the resources and people around them to provide meaningful , memorable learning experiences for our students . These range from inviting parents and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine students into the classroom to “ doing ” science in creative and innovative ways . You ’ ll read stories of how research and continuing education are informing teachers ’ work , from a middle school teacher ’ s summer trip to Kenya to a round-up of the learning experiences teachers ( and one counselor ) engaged in this past school year to broaden their practice . And you ’ ll find stories and vivid images of how Falk teachers continue to make learning meaningful and fun for our students .
Elsewhere in the issue , you ’ ll read about alumni like Falk language arts instructor Cameron Barnett , who published his second poetry collection this year ; former NPR journalist David Greene , who delighted our middle schoolers with his injunction to “ listen and be curious ;” and the descendants of Falk ’ s founding family , who are still a vital part of our school today .
There ’ s much more in these pages . We hope you will enjoy this second issue of En Avant , and that , whoever you are and whatever your connection to Falk may be , you will reach out and stay in touch .
“ Teaching is at the heart of what we do at Falk . It extends from the thoughtful attention teachers give their students to the training that student teachers receive at Falk each year . So many of the fond memories we hear from our alumni focus on teachers who made a difference , whose words and examples former students recall even decades after leaving Falk . To see our amazing teachers valued so highly by our families is immensely gratifying .”
Jill Sarada , EdD Director , Falk Laboratory School
FALK LABORATORY SCHOOL | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 1