Hello and Welcome!
My name is Ryan Glass and I am a High School Algebra teacher working at a public school in the South Bronx. Over the past four years I have noticed a very disturbing trend. As a nation, we have turned students and teachers into statistics and forgotten that they are human beings. We have prioritized test scores over emotional health and as a result we are dealing with a public educational system that lacks heart. The school building that once stood as the epicenter of our communities, the stronghold, the palace of opportunity has now become a hospital. It seems as though the majority of our teachers and students are sick. Plagued with a multitude of distractions (cell phones, facebook, video games, etc) and pressures from teachers, parents, and peers, it is no wonder our students are depressed, over-stimulated, and angry. In this condition, We then ask them to pass very demanding state tests. When the poor results are revealed, who is to be blamed? Teachers. Feeling trapped in a no-win situation with little support, many teachers are unable to deal with their own frustration, depression, and anger. So where do these feelings go? You guessed it. Right back into the classroom. A very dangerous cycle is thus maintained.
But where there is a classroom with four walls and students who still enter each day, there is hope. There is the hope that if we become aware of this cycle, we can “heal” the sickness we have created. If we remind ourselves that students AND teachers are human beings that have needs and feelings, we can bring about real change. Using empathy, compassion, and love, I believe our nation's systemic sickness can be cleansed.
This website is intended to explore the application of Mindfulness techniques as the vehicle to bring awareness and compassion back into our classrooms. I have spent several years practicing yoga and mindfulness. After attending the Mindfulness in Education Conference at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, in 2010, I decided it was time to bring the teachings to my students. The results have been incredible! In my blog I hope to share my personal findings, explore the research and contributions of others, and create a space in which to share and learn from one another. Please click the above link to read!
Due to numerous inquiries I have also started to consult on how to build Mindfulness Programs in classrooms, schools, and other institutions. Please feel free to contact me via my blog or by using the “contact” form if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity!
But where there is a classroom with four walls and students who still enter each day, there is hope. There is the hope that if we become aware of this cycle, we can “heal” the sickness we have created. If we remind ourselves that students AND teachers are human beings that have needs and feelings, we can bring about real change. Using empathy, compassion, and love, I believe our nation's systemic sickness can be cleansed.
This website is intended to explore the application of Mindfulness techniques as the vehicle to bring awareness and compassion back into our classrooms. I have spent several years practicing yoga and mindfulness. After attending the Mindfulness in Education Conference at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, in 2010, I decided it was time to bring the teachings to my students. The results have been incredible! In my blog I hope to share my personal findings, explore the research and contributions of others, and create a space in which to share and learn from one another. Please click the above link to read!
Due to numerous inquiries I have also started to consult on how to build Mindfulness Programs in classrooms, schools, and other institutions. Please feel free to contact me via my blog or by using the “contact” form if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity!