Jeff Suzik

Jeff Suzik is the Director of the Falk Laboratory School at the University of Pittsburgh and holds a joint appointment as an Associate Professor in the School of Education. He earned his Ph.D. in History from Carnegie Mellon University in 2005. His research focuses on 20th-century youth and adolescence, which intersects with his career in education. After teaching U.S. and World History at a Pittsburgh-area boarding school, he transitioned into school administration, holding roles such as Dean of Students, Director of Residential Life, and Head of School at various institutions, including an independent K-12 school in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

His historical training from CMU’s Department of History emphasized critical thinking, contextual analysis, and clear communication—skills he applies daily in educational leadership. He emphasizes the value of understanding historical context to address contemporary challenges in education and school management.