Dal Lawrence initiated The Toledo Plan for mentoring and evaluation in September 1981. The idea for a local intern program for beginning teachers was created after his unsuccessful attempt in 1972 to amend Ohio teacher education standards so that five-year teacher preparation programs would be required by the state.

For nine years Toledo principals blocked the internship proposal. During that time support among teachers grew because the intern program was always described as the first step toward a real profession with real professionalization responsibilities for classroom teachers. The idea became reality after the attorney for the school board recognized the outlines of a profession that were emerging in Toledo.

Mr. Lawrence was president of the Toledo Federation of Teachers from 1966 to 1996. He taught history at DeVilbiss High School beginning in 1961. He was a vice president of the American Federation of Teachers from 1988-96.

Mr. Lawrence holds a bachelor of education degree from Findlay College and a master's in history from Ohio State University.

He is the author of 133 columns on education published in the Toledo Blade newspaper.