Kimberly A. Schonert-Reichl

Professor in Human Development, Learning & Culture, Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology and Special Education, University of British Columbia, USA

About the author:

I started my career as a middle school teacher and then was a teacher for “at risk” adolescents in an alternative high school. My research focuses on the social and emotional learning in children and adolescents, particularly how positive qualities such as empathy, compassion, altruism, and resiliency are fostered. My research takes place in social and community settings. I have twice chaired dialogues with the Dalai Lama on cultivating compassion and educating the heart.

What I want to achieve:

I believe to improve social and emotional learning, you have to understand it. Such learning is a key part of bullying prevention, enhancing the school climate, healthy decision-making and reducing the need for disciplinary action.