Jamie Glass (B.Ed ’98) Honoured with Chief Justices’ Award

Congratulations to McGill Education alumnus Jamie Glass (B.Ed ’98) for being the 15th recipient of the Ontario Justice Education Network Chief Justices’ Award!

Established by the Chief Justices of Ontario Court of Appeal, Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice, this award recognizes an individual who has made an exceptional contribution in promoting public understanding and dialogue in support of a responsive and inclusive justice system.

After his B.A. (Combined Honours Degree in “Law & Society” and “Mass Communication” from Carleton/York University), Law Degree (University of British Columbia), and Bachelor of Education at McGill, Jamie combined his two passions to be a law educator at Middlefield Collegiate Institute where he has inspired students for more than 20 years.

"After Law School I felt a bit lost, knowing that the practice of law was not for me. I loved the academic side of law and speaking about issues of equity, social justice, and law within our society. I had coached soccer for a few years so I enjoyed working with teens, so I decided to pursue teaching,” commented Glass. Nostalgic about his McGill experience, he explained, “McGill Faculty of Ed turned out to be my oasis and the people were so welcoming! When classes began, professors like Jerry Kellebay lit up my world and doing 'stages' at the James Lyng and Rosemont high schools confirmed the great feeling I had in my McGill lectures about pedagogy. I truly believe that McGill made me the teacher I am today."

Among his nominators was Justice Sandra Bacchus, who lauded Glass for his work with underserved students, particularly in the black community. Glass initiated two influential forums: Wise Women & the Law involving a network of black female lawyers, and The Assisting Youth at Risk Forum. Justice Bacchus recounted “the aim was to give teachers strategies to both recognize and reach underserved students, particularly black students.”

Described by colleagues as a “dedicated social justice warrior” and a “consummate collaborator” Jamie’s leadership achievements include being the founder of the Ontario Law Teacher's Assistance Network, a curriculum consultant for the Ontario Ministry of Education, a University of Toronto Law instructor, a textbook author, and a champion Mock Trial coach.

Because of his latest honour, the Chief Justices’ Award, Jamie was featured in the Law Times. Read the full article here.