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Tsawwassen educator lends expertise to Scotland

Dr. Avis Glaze is 'honoured' to be named to international panel of advisers
educator
Dr. Avis Glaze recently returned from Scotland where she is helping reform the country’s education system.

An internationally known educator from Tsawwassen has been named as one of 10 education advisers for the government of Scotland.

Dr. Avis Glaze, who has held a number of senior education positions in Ontario, and the panel of experts will advise the Scottish government on improvements to the nation's education system and on lessons that can be learned from other countries.

Glaze said she feels privileged to be appointed as an international adviser.

"I am honoured," she said. "What l like most about Scotland is that they already have a very progressive educational system, but they do not rest on their laurels. They believe in continuous improvement. With their thinking and determination, they will lead the world on what works in improving educational systems and schools."

Glaze recently returned from the panel's first meeting in Scotland. She said they would meet face-to-face two to three times per year for the next couple of years as well as lots of reading and work in between on an individual basis.

"Some systems across the world are arrogant and they are not doing their best. Scotland is doing well, but they know they can do even better," Glaze said. "During our first meeting, (First Minister) Nicola (Sturgeon) spent time with us, sitting and listening. She wants to learn and she wants Scotland to be the best in terms of education."

Glaze said she wants to bring a number of things to the discussion.

"The old praise of raising the bar for all students, but closing the achievement gap is number one for me," she said. "It cannot be one size fits all in education. We must educate hearts as well as minds.

"Intelligence plus character is the true goal of education, so it's the academics, it's the character development, teaching kids entrepreneurial skills, creativity - it's developing the whole person and I hope to bring that to the committee."