Many students follow a traditional path when it comes to their education and career. For alumnus Jamie Glass (BA ‘91), the path to a career in education was anything but linear. What began as a career in law evolved into a desire to empower future generations of students. It was a shift that began with his decision to transfer from Carleton University to York’s Law and Society program.
“I knew York had an amazing Law and Society program and it was a huge university compared to Carleton,” says Jamie. “York had a little more substance to it. I just thought I really want to go there and challenge myself.”
After completing his undergraduate studies at York, Jamie attended law school at the University of British Columbia and worked as a criminal defense lawyer for a year before discovering his true passion was in teaching. This realization encouraged him to go to teacher’s college at McGill University. For more than two decades, Jamie has combined his knowledge in law and teaching to educating and inspiring multiple generations of students as a law teacher at Middlefield Collegiate Institute.
“I didn’t enjoy the practice of law in criminal defense,” says Jamie. “Academia was much more pleasant. The idea of teaching, imparting knowledge and helping young people on their journey for knowledge and wisdom was really appealing.”
While his educational pursuits led him to other universities, it was his time at York that would foster his desire to make a meaningful impact.
“I just felt empowered that I could change the world,” says Jamie. “York made me feel confident that I could go out in the world and make a difference and be a changemaker or be a leader.”
But Jamie’s passion for making a difference isn’t just limited to the classroom. He is Middlefield’s mock trial coach and has established the school’s Amnesty International Club, where he helps students examine human rights violations around the world. Jamie has also led conferences and programs to help educate other teachers on how to effectively communicate with racialized or marginalized students.
“You can’t teach a person to teach, it’s kind of an art. It’s inside you or it’s not inside you,” says Jamie.
Jamie’s impact as an educator was recognized in 2019, when he was honoured with the Chief Justices’ Award from the Ontario Justice Education Network. The award acknowledges an individual who has made an exceptional contribution in promoting public understanding, education and dialogue in support of a responsive and inclusive justice system. He was nominated by his students, colleagues and members of the justice community for his contributions as an educator and for sharing his knowledge and expertise with other educators in law.
Drawing from his own experiences, Jamie reminds students that they can continue learning and exploring their passions after they graduate.
“Follow your dreams,” says Jamie. “Don’t feel that you have to jump into some job to make money right away. Pursue academia, if you like learning and enjoy it.”