Sara Rimm-Kaufman

Sara Rimm-Kaufman is the Commonwealth Professor of Education and Chair of the Department of Education Leadership, Foundations & Policy at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development. She specializes in social and emotional learning (SEL), teacher-student interactions, and classroom environments. Her research emphasizes equitable educational practices and teacher development, supported by grants from NSF, IES, and private foundations.

Education: Ph.D., Harvard University (1996); M.A., Harvard University (1993); B.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison (1990).

Research focuses on SEL, self-regulation, and teacher-student dynamics. Notable contributions include co-authoring Social and Emotional Learning in Action and leading the Virginia Education Science Training (VEST) programs. Awards include Fellowships from APA and the American Psychological Science.

Her work integrates SEL into curricula, teacher training, and systemic school reforms. She advises doctoral and master’s students in Applied Developmental Science and teaches courses on educational psychology and learning development.

Labs/Initiatives: UVA Social Development Lab; Youth-Nex; Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning.