LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dr. David Lazerson was nominated by his principal, Andrea Swift.

Dr. Lazerson is an incredibly impactful educator. His career in education spans more than 40 years. During that time, he has transformed the lives of thousands upon thousands of children.

Dr. Lazerson's work has been devoted to students with significant cognitive disabilities, including medically fragile learners, students with complex physical impairments, and individuals with high-needs autism. Dr. Lazerson has made it his mission to ensure they are seen, heard, and celebrated. He is widely regarded as an expert in his field, particularly in the use of adaptive and assistive technology to make music accessible to all students. In his classroom, music is not a privilege; it is a right.

"Dr. Lazerson made quite a first impression on me," said Swift. "When I started at The Quest Center, I noticed Dr. Lazerson's classroom had quite a lot of items. When I asked Dr. Lazerson about the boxes and boxes of materials, he began pulling items out one by one—noise makers, lights, and switches, among others. As he explained each item, his face lit up. Every single piece had a purpose, and every explanation was tied to a specific student and their individual needs. In that moment, it became clear to me that nothing in that room was random or excessive. It was intentional. It was thoughtful. Most importantly, it was evidence that Dr. Lazerson truly knew and cared about his students as individuals, and that he'd work tirelessly to meet each of their unique needs."

His impact extends far beyond music instruction. For non-verbal students, Dr. Lazerson intentionally focuses on communication and self-expression, using tools such as switch-activated instruments and microphones to amplify their voices. Through music, students who have few other outlets learn to express themselves, engage socially, and participate meaningfully.

His intuitive understanding of his students fosters a sense of trust and safety. Children who struggle with behavior in other settings are calm, regulated, and joyful in his presence because they feel understood. 

Throughout the year, Dr. Lazerson organizes and produces performances that place students front and center, attended by families and members of the broader community. These events are not simply concerts; they are powerful demonstrations of inclusion, dignity, and possibility. Families witness their children celebrated not for their limitations, but for their talents, personalities, and humanity.

At the core of Dr. Lazerson's work is respect. He treats neurodivergent individuals with the care, patience, and dignity they deserve, modeling for colleagues, families, and students what true inclusion looks like in action. 

Dr. Lazerson's influence reaches well beyond his classroom and campus. He is a published author, having written multiple books for both educators and children. He has presented at education conferences on assistive technology and inclusive practices and regularly offers workshops for parents and teachers to ensure his impact extends beyond his own students. Remarkably, at 75, Dr. Lazerson became a rabbi, further reflecting his lifelong commitment to service, learning, and leadership. In addition, he is a member of a band and continues to perform throughout the state, spreading joy through music wherever he goes.

On campus, Dr. Lazerson is a consistent source of warmth and positivity, often bringing in treats and small gestures that brighten the days of students and staff alike. He is also a devoted family man and an avid traveler. Dr. Lazerson brings the world back with him, sharing stories, experiences, and curiosity with students who may never have the opportunity to travel themselves, expanding their understanding of the world in meaningful ways.

Simply put, Dr. Lazerson is a legend in his field. His depth of knowledge, irreplaceable expertise, and unwavering dedication make him truly one of a kind. He does not simply change lives; he elevates them. For his decades of service, innovation, and compassion, Dr. Lazerson is a LifeChanger.

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The songs chosen to represent Dr. Laz reflect both his heart for students and his musical soul. "Let It Be" by The Beatles represents his patience, compassion, and steady presence, as well as his ability to meet students exactly where they are. "Ripple" by the Grateful Dead reflects the quiet but far-reaching impact of his work, as his influence continues to ripple through generations of students, families, and colleagues. "Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu" or "Hineh Ma Tov" represents peace, unity, and shared humanity, values that define his commitment to dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.