Lori Lazzari
Position: Second Grade Teacher
School: St. Patrick's Catholic School
School District: St. Patrick's Catholic School
City, State: Sparta, WI
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Lori Lazzari was nominated by her student teacher, Jazmine Yambor.
"Each and every day, Lori goes above and beyond for students, their families, school staff, and other administrators,"said Yambor. "Both inside and out of school hours, Lori has touched so many hearts and has modeled the strongest and most powerful leadership I have ever witnessed."
Various educators have burnt out and given up as they attempt to learn and adjust to teaching during a pandemic. However, Ms. Lazzari has taken this challenge head-on. She works hard as she has taken on the role of educating students both virtually and in person in order to ensure that all students receive the education they deserve. There have been countless days where Ms. Lazzari has worked before and late after school, as well as during her weekends, in order to prepare and organize supplies for students at home. Ms. Lazzari has even taken more of her own personal time to deliver these materials to families in order for their children to receive the best education possible.
As if this wasn't already a challenging task, Ms. Lazzari also takes on additional responsibilities in her school. She mentors most new educators that come to St. Patrick's School, ranging from grades 3K to 4. This responsibility includes observing, giving advice for behaviors and teaching strategies, and providing physical and emotional support to all teachers on her side of the building. Ms. Lazzari even opens her classroom up to student-teachers, whom she mentors and shapes into the shining educators they become.
Ms. Lazzari takes a large amount, if not all of her prep time to collaborate and provide comments and strategies to her student teacher in order to provide the best support and guidance to them. Beyond her classroom, she provides guidance and support to all teachers and students as she fills the shoes of the educator-in-charge when needed. This means that on days the principal needs extra support or can't be in school, Ms. Lazzari steps in and does everything possible to ensure the safest, most positive environment and atmosphere at her school. As you can assume, she handles these responsibilities and roles with flying colors, and is always someone’s go-to when they have questions or concerns.
Ms. Lazzari knows every child in her building, and she always provides love and care to each and every one of them. Whether they have been in second grade yet or not, every student in the school knows Ms. Lazzari. Younger students often stop in her doorway before and after recess to say hello to her. Older students travel down the school to stop into her classroom.
"I have even witnessed older students who are looking for emotional support turn to Lori," said Yambor. "She'll sit with them in her classroom, talk about what is going on in their lives, and emphasize their importance to both her and the school."
As if this wasn't already touching so many lives, Ms. Lazzari has always made sure to provide for families in need. This holiday season, she took it upon herself to set up a program to support families in need, with the hope that they could receive Christmas presents for their children. Even more families throughout the entire school decided to join in on this program. They began supplying and wrapping new gifts for children whose families couldn't afford them. This holiday season, because of Ms. Lazzari, students who don't usually get to open any Christmas presents were able to come home to a pile of them in their homes. The happiness and excitement of these students is so heartwarming and uplifting. Beyond this, Ms. Lazzari has used her personal time to contact shelters for families of students who were in need of places to sleep due to unexpected situations, whether they were her student or not.
"Educators have so many roles and responsibilities inside the classroom. However, I have never witnessed an educator take so much on with such strong and loving shoulders, while also giving so much to others," said Yambor. "Thanks to Lori, students in this school work hard to practice and strengthen their learning. They also have a model on how to practice kindness to others like I have never seen before. The amount of children who Lori has built relationships with, who run to her for support as a trusted adult, is just astonishing. I have never witnessed an educator lead and treat others as Lori Lazzari does."
Eavything that has been said about Lori is how I see her. She is definitely a life changing educator.
Lori Lazzari is the reason we moved our 3 kids to St. Patrick's. We met Lori through an introduction from a mutual friend who was trying to get us to move our kids to St. Patrick's because of their experiences. In our very first meeting we absolutely knew our kids needed her in their lives. Lori is amazing educator, mentor, administrator, and person. She takes her job very seriously, but makes sure to incorporate fun into all her classes. During the pandemic, one of our daughters was in her class virtually, but noticed that she is not a virtual learner and asked (basically told us) that she wanted to work with her one on one, to make sure she doesn't fall behind. If it wasn't for Lori we would have had to hold her back. Our daughter loves school and has become a pretty good study and that is attributed to Lori intervening on her behalf. Our daughter in K-1 had speech issues and an IEP, but has beaten all of that.
Our youngest is now in Lori's second grade class and absolutely loves it. Everyday we hear about what Mrs. L did today and what she learned from Mrs. L. I have sat her class and observed the abilities that Lori brings to the class and her capabilities as an educator. They are amazing. She keeps the entire class engaged and participating in each lesson. She is strict, but knows when to have fun with the kids. on Halloween she dressed as a T-REX and the kids and even the parents loved it. On the last day of school before winter break she dressed as a Christmas tree. She does Oreo challenges, has a Lego wall, fidget spinners, pop-its, and so many other fun interactive things for the kids to engage in. Each one has a value of learning in it and she makes sure they understand it. How do you get a educational lesson from eating Oreo's and playing Legos? Lori finds ways and makes sure the education comes before the fun. The kids absolutely love it. Lori also provides additional reading help for kids that need it, she does a afterschool dance class for the younger kids, and she finds resources for families that might otherwise slip through the cracks. Lori filled in as principal while still performing her duties as a teacher when the previous principal left and a replacement hadn't been hired yet.. Lori keep the school together during that time. Parents wanted to leave, but Lori reassured them that the school was still maintaining its standard and that everything was fine. She was absolutely right.
My kids have been in a few schools in America and in Europe in their lifetime due to me being Active Duty Army and I must say that Lori is the best educator we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. We have never had a teacher who is influential in our children's life as Lori is. She has made it a point to be the best and with what looks like little effort, she does it so naturally. Lori Lazzari is absolutely the best teacher we have met in our 17 years as parents. I wish there was a Lori Lazzari when i was in elementary school, I might have had a better chance at a solid foundation in my early years. I was one of those kids who slipped through the cracks. Lori Lazzari is a Life Changer and deserves to be recognized for what she does. Great Teachers are hard to find and we should celebrate them as the hero's they are.
I have had the honor of being Lori Lazzari’s student teacher. Throughout my practice, I can confidently express that Lori is a teacher like no other. I have never witnessed an educator go so far and beyond for her students, their families, her colleagues, and any other individuals that cross her path. Lori has the biggest heart and has taught me so much about the field of education, as well of kindness, empathy, and being there for those in need.
Congratulations on this nomination! Keep doing the good things you do and being the teacher you were meant to be. You have been "weathering the storm" of Covid for a long time. The sun will shine again- hopefully soon- and you will be there doing what you do best. .
Lori, Mrs. L as the the kids call her, is one of the most dedicated teachers I have had the honor of knowing. I am beyond grateful that all 3 of my children have been able to have her as their teacher. Not only is she an amazing educator for her students, but she is willing to go above and beyond for all the students and parents in the school to make sure they have support, whether it be academic or emotional help. Her heart is big and her passion for teaching is strong. Our school is beyond blessed to have her!
Lori taught me math in high school! I’ve never met a teacher who could connect so well with teenage students! She’s so down to earth, kind and hilarious! It’s been over 10 years and I still keep in touch with her. She’s an amazing woman, educator and mother
I have never met a more dedicated, kind, knowledgeable, hilarious, driven, caring, and compassionate individual. Not only does she give 110% to her students, but she also changes the lives of anyone who knows her. Not only does Lori change the lives of her students by going above and beyond, such as organizing field trips, dressing up in costumes, writing to authors, making individualized Christmas ornaments for the entire school, or writing grants, but she also changes the lives of colleagues, colleagues, parents, and future teachers. Lori teaches dance after school, she mentors fellow colleagues, acts as supervising teacher when our principal is gone, and supervises/trains college students during their clinicals and student teaching. As my mentor, Lori always finds the time to check in on me, answer questions, or make me laugh, no matter how busy she is. Lori has inspired and taught me to be a better teacher, mother, and overall individual. I do not know a more fitting individual for this award, as she has definitely changed many, many lives.
Lori is an amazing teacher, mother, friend, colleague, and mentor. She is hilarious, strong, driven, knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. Not only does she give 110% when teaching her students, but she influences everyone around her as well. She teaches dance after school, colleagues, acts as supervising teacher when our principle is gone, dresses up in costumes on special occasions, supervises college students during their clinicals and student teaching, and just goes above and beyond to better anyone around her. Her passion for teaching and life is contagious. I would not be the teacher I am today with out her love and support, no matter how busy she is, she always finds the time to check on me, answer questions, make me laugh, etc. The love and support she shows each and every student definitely changes their lives. In addition, during the holiday season she makes sure that everyone has their needs met, and those who need anything, she finds a way to help them. I can not think of a more deserving individual, as I truly believe she changes the lives of anyone who knows her.
You are a ray of pure sunshine. Mackenzie adores you and enjoys her time with you. Thank you for making her love school even more.
Lori has always been involved from a young age in volunteering. She has always rooted for the underdog and was and is a dedicated friend to many. As her mom I couldn’t be more proud of the young woman and educator that she has become. To Lori it has been her calling rather than her job. A born leader from day one, this nomination is well deserved.
When I think of Ms. L as the kids refer to her , the word “passion” comes to mind. She gives 110% every minute of everyday! She holds kids to a high standard, but also understands the difficulties of real life. She is positive, creative and hard working. I am fortunate my grandchildren have had her as part of their educational journey.
Ms L goes above and beyond for each of her students! She is one of the main reasons my kids attend this school! She is simply the best!
Lori,
You’ve made a difference in so many lives and brightened the atmosphere at St Patrick School for so many years. My daughter was in your classroom the first year you taught and is now one of the top 10 students in her senior class. I attribute much of her success to the lessons and expectations you instilled at an important point in her education journey. You even took time to support her activities outside the classroom on your personal time. This made her more determined to work hard. When my second daughter was in your classroom a few years later, you continued to be creative and find new ways to help students learn. The respect, responsibility and caring nature my girls have was definitely strengthened by having you as a teacher.
Thanks and you definitely deserve the title of “Life Changer”
Lori goes above and beyond for her students here at St. Patrick's School in Sparta, Wisconsin. She not only teaches 2nd grade and makes it look easy, but she also helps new teachers in the building like myself, with kindness and love. She makes it fun to be at school. She reaches out to parents, and answers their questions and concerns and puts them immediately at ease upon first meeting them. She lives her faith at school. Everyone seeks her out when they are in question about policy, or teaching strategies. Lori is an absolute delight to all that are blessed to know her.
A huge shout out to Lori on being a superb teacher and friend. When my daughter started teaching at the school right out of college, Lori took her under her wing, guided her, supported her and still does to this day! Thanks Lori for being a top notch teacher and mentor!
You SO deserve this!
I will support you as much as I can ??
I have the honour to say Lori is my dear niece. I have known her to be such a leader in every thing she does. She is a gift to so many and this is her true vocation-educating! She is so deserving of this recognition as she truly goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others… not just her students!
Lori is truly dedicated and an inspiration to all. ????
An amazing teacher and generous soul, worthy of all good things!
