Janet Patti, Ed.D., is a professor emeritus at Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY) and a globally recognized expert in social and emotional learning (SEL) and educational leadership development. With over 25 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and guidance counselor in public schools in New York City and San Diego, Dr. Patti has dedicated her career to advancing the skills and well-being of educational leaders.
As a founding member of the Leadership Team of the Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), and a member of the Consortium for Research in Emotional Intelligence in Organizations, Dr. Patti has co-authored numerous influential works, including Smart School Leaders: Leading with Emotional Intelligence and Waging Peace in Our Schools. Her most recent collaboration with Dr. Robin Stern, Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders, provides a comprehensive framework for developing emotionally intelligent and effective school leadership.
Dr. Patti’s research and coaching focus on helping school leaders develop the emotional and social skills necessary to create psychologically and physically safe environments that foster learning and well-being for students and educators. Through the Star Factor Coaching Model, co-created with Dr. Robin Stern, Dr. Patti empowers leaders to assess school culture, enhance leadership competencies, and build strong, trust-based communities grounded in shared values.
In addition to her extensive work with educational leaders—training over 600 superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and countless aspiring teacher leaders—Dr. Patti and her team at Star Factor of NYC Inc. have also extended their expertise to non-profit and corporate sectors. This cross-disciplinary approach helps leaders in diverse fields develop transformative leadership practices rooted in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and systems thinking.
Though deeply passionate about her work, Dr. Patti is most proud of her family. She finds great joy in sharing her life with her loving husband, Barry Daub, and their precious daughter, Roxana Daub.