Miami-Dade, FL — In April 2018, U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) visited Mater Academy International, an inner-city charter school in Miami-Dade County that has successfully implemented a Mindfulness-Based Programs specifically designed for educators and students of all ages. Congressman Ryan was in Miami to raise awareness about violence and how to develop safe schools and mental health. During his visit, the Congressman spent time in Ms. Tolosa’s Kindergarten class where students, like Bailey pictured above, demonstrated a mindfulness exercise.
A few years ago, the Florida Charter School Alliance spoke with Mater Academy principal Ileana Melian about the school’s mindfulness program. Click here to listen to that interview with Ms. Melian (pictured with Congressman Ryan). Today, Mater International uses Inner Explorer, an in-classroom audio-series, to help teachers and students practice mindfulness — breathing and quiet time — each day. 
“The practice of mindfulness is helping our students learn how to relax and focus,” explains Ms. Melian. “The simple act of taking slow breaths has really transformed how our students learn, and how they behave in class. I’ve even heard positive stories from parents who say the students are using the practice at home to deal with an annoying sibling or to self-soothe during a stressful situation.”
To learn more about Inner Explorer and how it can help raise student achievement and reduce teacher stress, contact Laura Bakosh, Ph.D. at lbakosh@innerexplorer.org.