News in Brief: Tish Jennings Honored for Her Contributions to SEL Research

Photo by Catherine Bradshaw: Professor Jennings speaks after receiving her award.

UVA School of Education and Human Development professor Patricia ‘Tish’ Jennings is a recipient of the 2024 Joseph E. Zins Award from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Jennings was one of seven 2024 awardees “whose body of work and commitment to social and emotional learning have advanced the field and paved the way for others,” according to CASEL.  

Jennings’ research centers on the intersection of social and emotional learning and mindfulness and includes the groundbreaking Compassionate Schools Project. Her work not only focuses on improving SEL skills in students but also improving the well-being of educators, including reducing teacher stress and improving classroom and student outcomes with an innovative program for teachers called Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE).  

“I am truly honored to receive the Joseph E. Zins Award from CASEL,” Jennings said. “This recognition is especially meaningful as it underscores the importance of supporting educators’ well-being and fostering their social and emotional skills.”

For Jennings, acknowledging the critical role of educators and their own SEL needs in a field focused on nurturing the social and emotional development of students is a significant step forward.

“This award affirms not only my dedication to this work but also highlights the essential role that educator well-being plays in creating compassionate, effective learning environments,” she said. “I’m encouraged to see this work recognized at a time when supporting the resilience and emotional health of educators has never been more important.”