Patricia A. Jennings

Patricia (Tish) Jennings is a Professor of Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education at the University of Virginia's School of Education and Human Development. She is an internationally recognized leader in social and emotional learning and mindfulness in education. As the Program Director for the Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction, she has established herself as a key figure in developing evidence-based approaches to educator wellbeing and classroom climate.

• University of Virginia, School of Education and Human Development
• Department of Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education
• Program Director, Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

Dr. Jennings received her Ph.D. from the University of California Davis in 2004, M.Ed. from Saint Mary's College in 1980, and B.A. from Antioch College in 1977. With over 22 years of experience as a teacher, school director, and teacher educator, she brings substantial practical knowledge to her research.

Dr. Jennings' research focuses on social and emotional learning, mindfulness practices, and teacher occupational stress. She pioneered the application of contemplative science to solve difficult problems in education, particularly examining how teacher wellbeing impacts classroom environments and student outcomes. Her work bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical classroom implementation, with a special emphasis on creating compassionate learning environments that support both educators and students.

Analysis of her publication history reveals a consistent focus on mindfulness-based interventions in educational settings, with particular emphasis on how teacher wellbeing directly affects classroom quality and student outcomes. Her research trajectory shows increasing attention to scalable implementation models and the connection between educator stress management and student social-emotional development.

• Distinguished Researcher Award from the University of Virginia (2023)
• Joseph E. Zins Distinguished Scientist Award from CASEL (2024)
• Cathy Kerr Award from the Mind & Life Institute (2018)
• Featured in Mindful Magazine's 'Ten Mindfulness Researchers You Should Know'

Dr. Jennings serves as Principal Investigator for multiple large-scale studies funded by the U.S. Department of Education, including Project CATALYZE and Project ENGAGE. She was a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Promoting Healthy Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Development in Children and Adolescents. Her CARE (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education) program has been evaluated by What Works Clearinghouse and recommended by the CDC to promote educator wellbeing.

Dr. Jennings leads the Contemplative Teaching and Learning Lab, where she and her team develop and evaluate mindfulness-based professional development programs designed to address teacher occupational stress. The lab's work focuses on practical implementation strategies that can be adapted across diverse educational settings while maintaining scientific rigor.