Apr 23, 2008 8:26 am US/Eastern
Hollywood Teacher Tapped For Hall Of Fame
Dr. David Lazerson Has Spent 30 Years In The Classroom
Lazerson Will Be Inducted On June 18th
HOLLYWOOD, FL (CBS4) ―
A South Florida teacher who has spent more than three decades in the classroom has received a very special honor.
Tuesday morning, Dr. David Lazerson learned that he will be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Lazerson, who teaches Special Education at The Quest Center in Hollywood, is only the ninth teacher from Florida to be inducted.
At the easy press of a button, a drum beats, or another instrument plays. This might not seem like a big deal to the average person, but for most of Lazerson's students who are wheelchair bound and mentally impaired, this is their only outlet for expression. These contraptions have made it possible for these students to play music and express themselves.
"This is one way of them interacting with the environment," said Lazeson. "We on the outside of that shell almost have no idea what they're feeling—if they're hot or they're cold, if they're hungry, if they're sick, thirsty."
"Dr. Lazerson is an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our special population," said Quest Principal Raquel V. Cobb. "He has a passion and caring for students that gets results despite the limitations of our students' skills."
Founded in 1989, the National Teachers Hall of Fame honors elementary and secondary teachers and the teaching profession through a recognition program and museum. Nominees for induction must be a certified public or non-public schoolteacher, active or retired, with at least 20 years of experience in teaching grades pre-K through 12.
"The selection committee is comprised of representatives from educational organizations, NTHF members, and corporate sponsors," said Jenny Harder, Director of Induction and Recognition. "The committee evaluates the nominees on responses to questions regarding their professional profile, their teaching both inside and outside the classroom, educational issues and accountability."
Lazerson will join four other teachers from Texas, Wyoming, Tennessee and Louisiana for a three-day induction ceremony beginning June 18th at the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas.
To date, 80 educators from 33 states and the District of Columbia have been inducted.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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