Book excerpt: The Conscious Classroom illuminates the power of mindfulness and contextual thinking to transform classroom culture and facilitate deeper learning. Thousands of teens in Philadelphia public high schools are learning to de-stress, think systemically, and develop care for themselves and for others with the Inner Strength System(TM). In a world so cynical about public education, Edelstein's work, which has been empirically validated, shows that education for well-being truly works. "A must read for anyone interested in how to transform education and elevate human behavior " Sam Beard, founder of the Jefferson Awards "This is an inspiring book that looks towards the future with open possibility. Amy Edelstein skillfully shows us the power of mindful awareness in developing clarity and perspective and how these benefits can ripple out far and wide." Diane Reibel, Ph.D., Director, Mindfulness Institute, Thomas Jefferson University "This book is a wellspring of life-giving water in the heart of the contemporary educational desert " Mirabai Starr, author of Caravan of No Despair " The time and space to meditate might be the core of what high schools need. I left this book with more hope for the world the next generation will create than I have had in a long time." Eric Hoffman, Ph.D. St. Joseph University, former director, American Philosophical Assoc. "A game changer, this book defines the path for how we might collaborate to fulfill the mission of educating conscious citizens." Jonathan Miller-Lane, Ph.D., Director, Program in Education Studies, Middlebury College, VT "The work of Amy Edelstein, in The Conscious Classroom, is so critical. The Inner Strength System equips young people with the tools that breed resilience and emotional self-sufficiency. With these tools, they can stay grounded and rise above the tumult of an uncertain world. Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition, Senior Fellow, Fels Institute of Governance. "Amy Edelstein's The Conscious Classroom is a clear and strong voice that empowers teens through mindfulness practices to navigate change, complexity, and culture." Valerie Brown, JD, MA, PCC, Co-Author, The Mindful School Leader: Practices to Transform Your Leadership and School (Corwin, 2014)