September, 2003

I have known Itzhak Beery for eight years, primarily as a guest lecturer in my Metaphysics class at Stuyvesant H.S. Mr. Beery showed enormous dedication by coming to speak to my juniors and seniors term after term. His knowledge of drumming and spiritual journeys is outstanding and his ability to connect with youngsters is superb. I was very impressed by the excellent responses his experiential seminars evoked in the students; they listened, took in his teachings, asked probing questions and were willing to learn what he had to offer. Mr. Beery would come two or three times a semester to each class, in order to present a coherent body of information. The students always looked forward to his visits and gave highly positive feedback afterwards.

He is a loving parent (one of his sons was in my class, which is how we first met), extremely grounded and part of the society. His talent lies in relating to people, especially students, in a way that allows them to really take in important lessons about how to be open to parts of themselves as well as how to live healthily in this world.

I taught for 32 years and rarely have encountered anyone else whose personality and presentation are so suited to interacting with youngsters. I recommend him to you as a learned, inspiring and committed educator who will undoubtedly enhance your students’ awareness of themselves and the world around them.

Sincerely,

Ira Bindman, Ph.D.
Stuyvesant H.S.
New York City


October, 2004

My students and I recently had the good fortune to invite Itzhak Beery to our school to teach us about shamanism.  The workshop was highly motivating. Students learned how the shamans connect with animals spirits and how this process can help them in their daily lives, as well. 
Itzhak’s methods are effective.  He teaches by encouraging students to experience the shamanistic rituals, such as drumming and dreaming.  He leads the students through a deep meditation and allows them to share their experiences afterwards in a safe space. 
Itzhak cares deeply about the students and obviously wants to inspire them through his work.  He asked the children to write him with their questions and comments and he responded to them. 
The shamanism workshop was the highlight of our academic year.  Students raved about their experience and requested he return to work with them.  I highly recommend that more teachers invite Itzhak to work with their students. 

Sincerely,

Kim Mussman
Humanities Department
Professional Performing Arts School
New York City

 

November, 2006

Itzhak Beery, shamanic dream weaver, entranced my freshman college class. Undaunted by deafening silence, he skillfully overcame the reluctance and skepticism which greeted him at the beginning of the 90Ñminute class period. Ê By the end, students had gone on an internal, guided journey and were eager to understand what they had encountered. What started as grudging participation in a mandatory class exercise became genuine engagement with something familiar, yet unknown;Ê something close, yet far away. Mr. Beery put a meaningful pause in the cynicism and every-which-way comings and goings of young adult life, and allowed them to glimpse an alternate internal landscape. He is an insightful and gifted guide, and I can recommend him without reservation.

Laura Martocci, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, Experiential Learning
Faculty, Department of Sociology
Wagner College