Markham, ON – A York Region District School Board teacher has received the Ontario Justice Education Network’s Chief Justices’ Award.
Jamie Glass, a Civics, Law and Media Studies teacher at Middlefield C.I. in Markham received the award for his teaching and commitment to civil rights. The award “recognizes an individual who has made an exceptional contribution in promoting public understanding, education, and dialogue in support of a responsive and inclusive justice system.” Past winners include Sergeant Milton Ferguson of the Toronto Police Service and Justice Margaret Ann Scott.
Glass has been called “an exceptional teacher” by former students and people who supported his nomination for this award. He is passionate about civil rights and has been recognized for his support of Tamil students. “Mr. Glass has been an ally, activist, friend and advocate for the Tamil community in Markham and Scarborough for many generations,” said one supporter of his nomination.
“Empathy is important”, Glass said. “I believe in truly getting to know and caring about your students.” He credited his receiving of this award to his system mentors in YRDSB, including superintendents, administration and colleagues.
“Jamie is a long-standing member of the MCI staff with a commitment to our students that spans the last 20 years,” said Middlefield C.I. Principal Aline Daniel. “He has impacted so many students and colleagues across the system over the years as well as being an integral part of an outstanding History Department at MCI. We are so proud of his work and his contributions to our community.”
Glass founded the Ontario Law Teacher’s Assistance Network, a group that allows law teachers to work collaboratively. He also helped develop the Motivation, Inspiration and Literacy through Law program that brings lawyers from various backgrounds in to speak to students about their journey and dispel the myth that you need to come from a privileged background to be successful. In addition, he has contributed to or co-authored two law textbooks.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 127,000 students in 180 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit our website: www.yrdsb.ca and follow us on Twitter: @YRDSB.
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