Avis Glaze: The Children Cannot Wait

by Roderick Benns

Avis Glaze was recently identified as one of the most inspiring women every educator should know. From her earliest days in Jamaica, as a young girl who was driven to teach others to read, to her rapid rise through all levels of the school system to become the founding CEO of the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat and Ontario's Education Commissioner, Glaze has been a persistent voice in the belief that there should be no 'throw-away kids.'

Recognized for her record of innovations in education, including improved student learning and achievement in Ontario, she initiated system-wide character development programs in schools, communities and workplaces. This award-winning educator has been a steadfast advocate for equity of outcomes for all students. That is why Glaze has always acted with a sense of urgency because, as she often says, "the children cannot wait."

Glaze was chosen by the Canadian government to assist with education reform in South Africa. She was also invited to work on education reform in New Zealand, and was invited by the Queen of Norway to speak to principals. Most recently, she was appointed as independent advisor to assist in improving education in Scotland. She is in demand as a speaker across the globe, having worked in more than 22 countries and over 30 U.S. states to help maximize impact. She is truly an international leader in the field of education.

Part biography, part chronicle of achievements, this book will reignite passion and commitment to improve teaching, learning, leadership, and organizational effectiveness.

234 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2017

About the author

Roderick Benns is the creator of the Leaders and Legacies series on Canada’s Prime Ministers as teens, published by Fireside Publishing House. This book series has captured national media attention for engaging youth in Canada’s history.

Roderick spent nine years as Senior Writer for the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Student Achievement Division.

As an award-winning author and journalist, he has interviewed former Prime Ministers of Canada, Ministers, and Senators, and has written for The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and National Post.

Roderick is a sought-after speaker on Canada’s history and its leaders, and on Canada’s social policy landscape.

His most recent book is 'Basic Income: How a Canadian Movement Could Change the World'.

He lives in Cambridge, Ontario.