One of Canada’s outstanding educators, authors and a recognized international leader in education will receive a significant award in Toronto next month.
Tsawwassen’s Avis Glaze will be feted with the University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor’s Award presented to people of Caribbean heritage and others whose body of work have contributed to the betterment of the Caribbean region and who have made significant contributions within their organizations and communities.
“It’s a very special honour — I’m thrilled that I have been chosen for the award,” said Glaze. “It is really completing the circle for me. Education has always been and will always play a huge part in my life, so to be honoured by the University of the West Indies is truly humbling.”
The award-winning educator has experienced all levels of the school system as a classroom teacher, superintendent of schools and director of education.
Glaze was one of five commissioners on Ontario’s landmark Royal Commission on Learning, setting directions for the future of the education system. As that province’s first chief student achievement officer and founding CEO of the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, she played a vital role in working with educators to improve student learning, achievement and well-being.
She taught at York University and the University of Toronto, and is currently president of Edu-quest International Inc., offering a wide range of educational services and speaking engagements across the globe.
The world renowned education expert was most recently tasked with providing an administrative review of the Nova Scotia school system.
Glaze has extensive experience in improving schools and school systems and has worked with educators in more than 50 countries.
The awards will be handed out at the UWI Toronto Benefit Gala on April 7.
Other honourees will include Ambassador Susan E. Rice, who served in President Barack Obama’s administration, Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors, Dr. Victor S. Blanchette, Dr. Michael S. Pollanen and the YMCA.
The gala brings together Canada’s business and academic communities to celebrate the greatness and tireless work of the honourees, and raise funds for outstanding students in the Caribbean, whom otherwise would not have the chance to pursue higher learning.
In nine years, the event has awarded almost 400 scholarships, with many of the students now practicing in their fields.
