SCHNEIDER REINTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO EMPOWER TEACHER AS LEADERS IN THE CLASSROOM

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL -- Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, re-introduced the Teachers Are Leaders Act, a bill to expand professional development opportunities for teachers. The bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. John W. Mannion (NY-22), Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). Schneider will mark the introduction of the bill today at an event in Highland Park with local educators.

“Empowering experienced educators to mentor new teachers is one of the best ways we can retain a high-quality teaching workforce,” said Rep. Schneider. “The Teachers Are Leaders Act will give our best educators more opportunities to lead in their schools, mentor colleagues, and share best practices -- and ultimately help our children flourish."

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.  

“As a public school science teacher for almost thirty years, I know firsthand what it takes to retain experienced teachers and best support our students,” said Rep. Mannion. “Teachers change lives, and every child deserves to learn from educators with the tools, training, and support to help them succeed in and out of the classroom. The bipartisan Teachers Are Leaders Act would empower teachers to lead in their school districts and communities – mentoring colleagues, engaging families, and strengthening curriculum so every student can reach their full potential.”

“When teachers thrive, so do our students and communities,” said Rep. Underwood. “I’m pleased to join this bipartisan effort to equip teachers with the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. The Teachers Are Leaders Act will bring more opportunities for teachers to develop their leadership skills and use their voices to strengthen the learning environment in their schools, a critical and often overlooked part of improving teacher retention and addressing our nation's growing educator shortage.”

"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."

“Strong schools start with strong teachers, and the best solutions come from listening to them,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Educators across PA-1 have told me that while we invest in preparing new teachers, we fall short in supporting the professional growth of those already in the classroom. The Teachers Are Leaders Act changes that—providing experienced teachers with opportunities to grow as leaders, mentor colleagues, and strengthen their schools. By advancing their development, we support retention, address the educator shortage, and ensure every student benefits from empowered, effective teachers.” 

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), Third Way, and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (ASSPA). 

"School principals recognize that developing teacher leaders helps retain highly effective educators while also providing essential mentorship to new teachers, all of which benefit their students and the larger school community,” said L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, NAESP Executive Director. “We endorse the Teachers Are Leaders Act and applaud Representative Schneider along with the bipartisan coalition of cosponsors for championing this legislation."

"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, NASSP CEO. “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." 

"By investing in meaningful professional development for teachers, the Teachers Are Leaders Act will strengthen the educator workforce, retain top talent in schools, and boost student outcomes,” said Michelle Dimino, Director of Education at Third Way. “Third Way is pleased to support its reintroduction and commends Congressman Schneider and the bill's cosponsors for championing our nation's teachers."

###