‘Dr. Laz’ Gives Teacher Training

In honor of the US Congress proclaiming 2014 as the “Year of the Teacher,” Dr. David Lazerson, affectionately known as Dr. Laz, gave two teacher training events during the month of March.

The Chabad of the Upper West Side Early Learning Center brought in Dr. Laz, one of five teachers throughout the United States to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 2008, for an educator’s inservice program entitled “All Children Are Special.” He presented to over 35 teachers from the Early Learning Center. Two teacher undergraduate classes from Touro College also attended.

“Dr. Laz’s presentation was incredibly inspiring,” said Pearl Stroh, the director of the Upper West Side school. “The teachers were blown away with his youthful enthusiasm and dedication to the field of education.”

Dr. Laz has received the Teacher of the Year award from two different public school systems in his 30 year-plus career as a full time teacher in special education – including Broward County in South Florida, the nation’s 6th largest school district. His program combined a variety of motivational, hands-on simulations that all the participants were encouraged to try.

“His real-life scenarios were so easy to relate to,” added Pearl Stroh, “and his fresh humor kept all of us on our toes – not an easy feat at the tail end of a Monday.”

A former parent of the school purchased copies of the book for all the teachers of the West Side Early Learning center.

The event ended with a book signing of Dr. Laz’s new book on education and parenting entitled; “Teach Me If You Can – We’re All Special… Needs!”

“After 36 years, if he can still be so enthusiastic about teaching…it gave me such chizuk to keep going,” remarked Stroh. “So many of my friends are looking into other easier, more financially lucrative careers, and sometimes it makes me question my choice…but after listening to Dr. Laz, it reinforced what I always knew in my heart: There is NOTHING that can be more important and rewarding than working with children. We’re looking forward to having Dr. Laz return to our school soon.”

Earlier in the month Dr. Laz was invited to speak at State University College at Buffalo, where he received the Alumnus of the Year award. Over 100 teacher candidates, as well as professors and department heads attended his lecture.

His presentation focused on practical and motivational strategies to reach the individual student, including those with special needs, as well as classroom management.

Dr. Laz is one of 50 teachers selected throughout North America to be featured in the new book “American Teacher – Heroes In The Classroom”.

Buffalo College held a special raffle and gave away several copies of this book. The event ended with a book signing of Laz’s new book on educating and parenting, and an invitation to Dr. Laz to teach some graduate level courses at the college.