Dr. Tish Jennings: SEL & Mindfulness in Education Expert
Learn about Dr. Tish Jennings' groundbreaking work in social-emotional learning, teacher mindfulness programs, and compassionate education reform.
Who is Dr. Patricia (Tish) Jennings?
Dr. Tish Jennings is an internationally recognized:
- Associate Professor at University of Virginia's Curry School of Education
- Expert in social-emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness for educators
- Developer of evidence-based teacher wellness programs
- Former classroom teacher with 22+ years of experience
Groundbreaking Contributions to Education
CARE for Teachers Program
Dr. Jennings led the development of this mindfulness-based professional development program that:
- Reduces teacher stress and burnout
- Improves classroom climate
- Increases student productivity
Compassionate Schools Project
This innovative integrated health curriculum:
- Combines mindfulness with social-emotional learning
- Currently being evaluated in Louisville, KY schools
- Aims to create trauma-informed educational environments
Why Her Work Matters
Research shows that:
- Teacher stress directly impacts student learning outcomes
- Mindfulness practices improve classroom management
- SEL programs boost academic performance by 11-17%
Key Publications
- Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom (Part of the Norton Series on Social Neuroscience of Education)
- Numerous peer-reviewed studies on teacher well-being and SEL
Education Background
- M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Education
- 22 years as a classroom teacher before transitioning to research
Dr. Jennings' work bridges the gap between neuroscience research and practical classroom applications, making her one of today's most influential voices in education reform.