Almut Zieher: Championing Teacher Well-Being and Social-Emotional Learning

At the heart of the Education Collaboratory’s mission is a commitment to supporting educators as much as students, and Almut Zieher, PhD, associate research scientist at Yale Child Study Center, has been a cornerstone of this work. Having joined Yale in 2019, Zieher has brought her expertise in educational psychology and special education to bear on understanding how teachers cultivate social and emotional skills that enhance both their professional practice and personal resilience.

Blending Experience and Innovation

With a background that spans general and special education teaching and advanced degrees from the University of New Mexico, Zieher’s research blends learning theory with classroom realities. She has pioneered the development of innovative tools like the Objective Awareness and Mindfulness Measure (OAMM) and Compass, which provide critical insight into how teachers use mindfulness practices and implement social and emotional teaching.

In addition to her leadership on these major projects, she has established herself as a thought leader in social and emotional learning (SEL), regularly sharing her expertise through presentations and written scholarship that advance the field and foster professional growth among educators. She has contributed important insights on topics ranging from the implementation of SEL in schools to the development of mindfulness-based interventions for teachers. This scholarship not only deepens our understanding of how educators can support student well-being but also provides practical frameworks for improving classroom practice.

In a recent presentation, at the 2025 American Educational Research Association/National Council on Measurement in Education (AERA/NCME) Conference in Denver, Zieher played a prominent role, serving as discussant for a paper session on school-based SEL and the broader impacts of interventions on both teachers and students and co-leading a roundtable session on how teacher behaviors shape SEL in elementary classrooms. Her ability to synthesize research findings and facilitate meaningful dialogue underscores her influence in the field and her commitment to bridging research and practice for the benefit of educators everywhere.

A Mentor, Guide, and Friend

Within the lab, Zieher is known not only for her research but also for their generosity as a mentor and collaborator. As interns and new members joined the lab's team, they expressed that Zieher was a welcoming presence, offering guidance and support to help them integrate into the group.

Onward

As Zieher’s time at the Education Collaboratory comes to a close, lab members celebrate her lasting contributions to advancing teacher well-being and SEL. Her work leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to guide and inspire.