Bipartisan Bill Aims to Empower Teachers as Leaders in the Classroom

Strategic Insights -

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

Key Takeaways:

  • The Teachers Are Leaders Act would expand the Federal Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program to provide grant 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.
  • The bill aims to improve the pipeline of qualified teachers and principals, as well as student outcomes, by providing opportunities for experienced teachers to lead in their schools and communities.
  • Rep. Mannion, a public school science teacher for nearly thirty years, emphasized the importance of supporting experienced teachers to retain a high-quality teaching workforce.
  • The bipartisan bill has gained support from various educators and education organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (ASSPA).
  • Endorsements for the bill have come from education leaders, including L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE, NAESP Executive Director, and Ronn Nozoe, NASSP CEO, who highlighted the importance of empowering experienced teachers to lead and mentor their colleagues.

Statistics:

  • The 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 aims to improve teacher retention and address the nation's growing educator shortage by providing more opportunities for experienced teachers to develop their leadership skills.
  • 96% of teachers in the United States report mentoring or coaching colleagues, highlighting the importance of peer coaching in professional development (NAESP, 2020).
  • The average teacher in the United States receives only 7-10 hours of professional development annually, which is below the recommended minimum (National Education Association, 2020).
  • The Teachers Are Leaders Act is supported by education organizations, including the American Association of School Personnel Administrators (ASSPA) and the National Education Association (NEA).

Sources:

  • "Schneider Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Empower Teacher Leaders in the Classroom" (August 27, 2023)
  • National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
  • American Association of School Personnel Administrators (ASSPA)
  • National Education Association (NEA)
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
  • Third Way
  • Schneider.house.gov