Remembering Glenda Lewe

I would like to acknowledge the passing of Glenda Lewe, an early pioneer in the field of workplace literacy in Canada.

I first met Glenda in 1984 when she worked at Secretary of State where I also worked. She wrote speeches, I wrote policy. Our paths crossed again in 1989 when I was asked to take on Glenda’s role as the officer responsible for the National Literacy Secretariat’s business and labour portfolio as well as workplace literacy. Glenda was off to work on a major project with Dr. Maurice Taylor on literacy task analysis, an assignment that launched her into a successful consulting career.

Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, workplace literacy was a new concept and we were all learning about important techniques such as the literacy task analysis, the organizational needs assessment, workplace project teams and customized curriculum. The importance of this early work can not be underestimated. Glenda’s contribution to the field lay the foundation for what continues today as workplace literacy and essential skills.

I pulled up a list of Glenda’s publications which shows some of her work.

• Taylor, Maurice and Glenda Lewe. Literacy Task Analysis. A How to Manual for Workplace Trainers. 1990.
• Taylor, Maurice C. and Glenda R. Lewe. Basic Skills Training: A Launchpad for Success in the Workplace. Literacy Task Analysis Project. Final Technical Report. National Literacy Secretariat, Ottawa, Ontario. 1990.
• Taylor, Maurice; Glenda Lewe; James Draper, eds, Basic Skills for the Workplace. Toronto, 1991.
• Lewe, Glenda. Basic Skills in the Total Quality Workplace. 1994.
• Lewe, Glenda R. Learning in a Quality Environment: An Individual and Corporate Challenge. Culture Concepts Books, 1995.
• Lewe, Glenda and Carol D. MacLeod. Step into the World of Workplace Learning: A Collection of Authentic Workplace Materials. Ottawa, Ontario: Human Resources Development Canada. 2001.

My condolences to her husband Peter and her family.

Glenda Lewe obituary