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Teachers

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Empower Teachers and Improve Teacher Retention

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) has re-introduced the Teachers Are Leaders Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding professional development opportunities for teachers. The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. John W. Mannion (NY-22), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), seeks to address the educator shortage and improve teacher retention by providing opportunities for experienced educators to mentor new teachers and share best practices.

The bill aims to expand the Federal Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program, which currently provides grant funding for teacher preparation and professional development for new teachers. However, the TQP program has limited opportunities for professional development for existing teachers. The Teachers Are Leaders Act would provide funding for teacher leader programs focused on areas such as curriculum development, family and community engagement, and peer coaching.

Supporters of the bill, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), and National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), argue that the legislation would empower teachers to lead in their schools, mentor colleagues, and share best practices, ultimately improving student outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Teachers Are Leaders Act is a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding professional development opportunities for teachers to improve teacher retention and address the educator shortage.
  • The bill seeks to expand the Federal Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program to provide funding for teacher leader programs focused on areas such as curriculum development, family and community engagement, and peer coaching.
  • The bill has the support of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and other education organizations.
  • Teachers are critical to improving student outcomes, and supporting their professional growth is essential to ensuring that every student benefits from empower, effective teachers.
  • The Teachers Are Leaders Act would provide critical resources to empower experienced teachers and better prepare them for career advancement, ultimately strengthening the pipeline of future school leaders.

Statistics:

  • The bipartisan Teachers Are Leaders Act has the support of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and other education organizations. (Source: AFT, NEA, NAESP)
  • The bill would provide funding for teacher leader programs focused on areas such as curriculum development, family and community engagement, and peer coaching. (Source: Office of Rep. Brad Schneider)
  • The Federal Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program currently provides grant funding for teacher preparation and professional development for new teachers. (Source: US Department of Education)
  • The TQP program has limited opportunities for professional development for existing teachers. (Source: Office of Rep. Brad Schneider)
  • 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. (Source: Rep. John W. Mannion)

Sources:

  • Office of Rep. Brad Schneider
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • National Education Association (NEA)
  • National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
  • US Department of Education

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