SCHNEIDER INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO EXPAND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHERS

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Teachers Are Leaders Act, a bill to expand professional development opportunities for teachers. The bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. David Trone (MD-06), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

"By providing more opportunities for teachers to develop leadership skills, we can retain them in our schools, grow the pipeline of experienced and successful school leaders, and boost student achievement," said Rep.Schneider. "I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to invest in the success of our teachers and students."

The Federal Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program currently provides grant funding to connect local schools with colleges and universities for teacher preparation and professional development for new teachers. However, there are too few opportunities for professional development for those already in the classroom.

The Teachers Are Leaders Act would expand TQP eligibility by providing funding for teacher leader programs aimed at professional development for current teachers. These programs would focus on areas like curriculum development, family and community engagement, and peer coaching to expand leadership opportunities for educators, improving the pipeline of qualified teachers and principals as well as student outcomes.

"When teachers thrive, so do our students and communities. I'm pleased to work on this bipartisan effort to provide our teachers with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond," said Rep. Underwood. "The Teachers Are Leaders Act will bring more opportunities for educators to develop their leadership skills and use their voices to strengthen the learning environment in their schools, while supporting teacher retention, and fighting our nation's growing educator shortage."

"Educators are shaping our nation's future every day in the classroom. We ought to invest in them by providing development opportunities to help them thrive as leaders in our communities," said Rep. Trone. "By supporting our educators, we are supporting a better education and stronger outcomes for our students. I'm honored to help introduce this bipartisan legislation that stands squarely behind our teachers."

"It is vital that we provide teachers with professional development opportunities to improve teacher retention and create an extended network of support," said Rep. Fleishmann. "I am proud to be a co-sponsor on a bipartisan bill that works to strengthen the teaching profession in schools across our nation."

The Teachers Are Leaders Act is supported by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), and Third Way.

"School principals understand that investing in teacher leadership is an effective strategy to help retain effective educators and mentor new teachers for the benefit of their students and schools," said NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE. "We are pleased to support the Teachers Are Leaders Act and commend Representative Schneider and the bipartisan group of cosponsors for introducing this bill."

"The role of the teacher has evolved, requiring ongoing professional development to build leadership skills in areas like leading teams, engaging with families and the community and coaching their colleagues," said Ronn Nozoe, CEO of NASSP. "The Teachers Are Leaders Act will provide critical resources to empower experienced teachers and better prepare them for career advancement, ultimately strengthening the pipeline of future school leaders. We are grateful to Congressman Schneider for championing this important bipartisan legislation."

"Investing in high-quality professional development for teachers supports their growth as leaders and strengthens our schools-to the ultimate benefit of students and local communities," said Lanae Erickson, Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education & Politics at Third Way. "TheTeachers Are Leaders Act will enhance and help retain the teacher workforce, and Third Way applauds its re-introduction."

Bill text can be found here.