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Dr. David Lazerson
Special Education & Music Director, pre-kindergarten – 22 years,
The Quest Center, Hollywood, Florida
Total years as a classroom teacher: 30
EDUCATION
| 1986 | University of Buffalo | Ph.D., Educational Research & Evaluation |
| 1977 | State University College at Buffalo | M.S., Special Education |
| 1975 | Rabbinical College of America | Bachelor of Divinity |
| 1973 | Bachelor of Divinity | B.S., American Studies |
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
| 2002-present | Grades pre-k –age 22, Special Education, The Quest Center, Hollywood, Florida |
| 2001-2005 | University Professor, Florida International University, Miami, Florida |
| 1999-2002 | Grades 6-8, Special Education, JFK Middle School, Miami, Florida |
| 1983-1990 | Taught experimental science & social studies, Manhattan Day School Special Education Department, Manhattan, New York. |
| 1980-1995 | University Instructor & Professor, Division of Special Education, State University College at Buffalo & Staten Island College in New York. |
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
| 2007 | The Charmettes Inc. Leadership & Community Service Award |
| 2007 | Arts Teacher of the Year Award, Broward County Public Schools |
| 2007 | Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Buffalo |
| 2006 | Arts Teacher of thee Year Semi-Finalist, Broward County Public Schools |
| 2005 | Best Buy National Teacher Award |
| 2004 | Special Achievement Award (honoring Project CURE), New York City |
| 1997 | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fulfilling the Dream, CBS TV Award |
| 1994 | Mother Hale Award for Community Youth Service Award |
| 1993 | Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service, State of New York |
| 1993 | Community Service Award, New York State Senate |
| 1993 | Peace Site Award for Community Service, Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture |
| 1992 | Mayor’s Superstars Award, City of New York |
| 1981 | Teacher of the Year, Buffalo, New York Public Schools |
| 1980 | Scouter of the Year, Boy Scouts of America |
- David uses individualized instruction, hands-on materials, and a multi-modality approach, along with adaptive technology and the motivational power of music in his classroom.
- He strives to avoid the notion of limitations; he tries to find his students’ special abilities and allow them to help in any way they can to allow them to rise above their challenges.
“I … find that Dr. Lazerson is an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our special population. He has a passion and caring for students that gets results despite the limitations of our students’ skills.”
Raquel V. Cobb, Principal
“Despite given the task of working with individuals with the most profound challenges, many non-verbal confined to wheelchairs, Dr. Laz does not see obstacles—only opportunities. He believes, and more importantly puts into practice, a sense of worth, beauty and purpose for every human being.”
Zahava Krevsky, Music Therapy Assistant