Dr. David Lazerson-Arts Teacher Of The Year

Broward County Proudly Salutes

Another Inspiring Arts Teacher

Special Needs Music Teacher at The Quest Center, Dr. David Lazerson

is the honored recipient of the 2007 Arts Teacher of the Year Award 

The Broward County Cultural Division is proud to announce Dr. David Lazerson (Dr. Laz), special needs music teacher at The Quest Center, as the 22nd annual Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year. A ceremony to recognize this award will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 6:00 pm, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.           

The Arts Teacher of the Yea r Award was created by the Broward County Cultural Division in 1985 to annually recognize a most outstanding arts teacher in Broward County schools. Teachers whose primary a ssignment is in an arts discipline including dance, drama, music, visual arts and media arts are eligible to apply or be nominated. The selection panel is composed of members of the Broward Cultural Council's Arts in Education Committee. Applicants submit a written application, audio/visual exhibits, and are observed in the classroom by members of the selection panel. In addition to the ceremony and reception at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the winner receives a cash stipend, a scholarship to Nova Southeastern University , a Tiffany crystal apple, an inscribed brick on Riverwalk, and an assortment of gifts from cultural organizations and businesses.           

Dr. Lazerson holds a Ph.D. in educational research and evaluation from the State University of New York at Buffalo, with a minor in urban education; a Masters degree in special education from the State University College at Buffalo, NY and a Bachelor of Science in American studies, State University of New York at Buffalo. He also holds a Bachelor of Divinity from the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, NJ.           

Lazerson has been an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher and special needs music director in the School Board of Broward County, FL since 2002, providing hands-on, music, and other experiential therapeutic techniques for profoundly mentally handicapped, medically-fragile and Trainable Mentally Handicapped (TMH) students at The Quest Center. He is also known for the development of a very unique "sing and sign" music group and choir at The Center whose program services more than 150 students. Among his many publications and presentations, he has been previously awarded with the Best Buy National Teacher Award 2005; a Governor's Citation for Outstanding Service, State of New York; and the Mayor's Superstars Award, featured on the SONY screen in Times Square in 1992. 

Lazerson's latest book, Sharing Turf was used by Showtime to write the story and screenplay for the movie Crown Heights, which features Howie Mandel as Dr. Laz. The movie also featured three of Lazerson's original songs. His musical group, Dr. Laz & the CURE, plays throughout the world, bringing the important message of mutual respect, tolerance and peace. Visit www.drlaz.com for further information on his educational programs and studies, pictures and video clips of his diverse activities. 

"A people's art is the genesis of their freedom."

                              Claudia Jones, Founder

                               London Carnival, 1959

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