Professor
Patricia Jennings

Professor of Education, School of Education and Human Development,
University of Virginia

We look forward to welcoming our conference delegates! Kindly note that the event dress code is Business Casual

Professor Patricia Jennings

Professor of Education, School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia



BIOGRAPHY

Globally respected authority in social and emotional learning and mindfulness within education

Professor Jennings is an internationally recognised leader who has published groundbreaking research that delves into the impact of teacher stress on classroom dynamics, notably explored in her influential work "The Prosocial Classroom."

Professor Jennings spearheaded the development of CARE, a mindfulness-based professional development initiative validated by rigorous research and recognised by esteemed bodies like What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Professor Jennings is also a co-author of Flourish: The Compassionate Schools Project curriculum, an innovative programme integrating health and social-emotional learning. Her extensive publication record includes peer-reviewed articles and books such as Mindfulness for Teachers and Mindfulness in the Pre-K-5 Classroom, which showcase her commitment to empowering educators and nurturing student well-being.

WELCOME SPEECH

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Cultivating well-being of early childhood educators and children in the early childhood education and care system

Embark on a transformative journey with Professor Patricia Jennings as she explores the vital link between early childhood (EC) educators’ well-being and optimal child development! Discover how EC educators, as emotional anchors and role models, foster emotional regulation and nurture prosocial behaviours in children. Unlock the secrets to creating nurturing environments that support healthy child development by prioritising EC educators’ well-being. With Professor Jennings' expert guidance, learn mindfulness and compassion-based approaches that empower educators to manage classroom stress, foster exceptional learning environments, and rejuvenate teaching and learning experiences for our children.