Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) Introduces Bipartisan ‘Teachers Are Leaders Act’ to Retain Experienced Teachers and Bolster Professional Development

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today introduced the bipartisan ‘Teachers Are Leaders Act’ to retain experienced teachers, strengthen classroom instruction, and help students succeed. The legislation bolsters professional development opportunities so every child benefits from effective, well-supported educators.

Representative John W. Mannion said, “As a public school science teacher for almost thirty years and a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, I know firsthand what it takes to retain experienced teachers and best support our students. 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.” 

The legislation expands the Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program, which 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.   

The Teachers Are Leaders Act is led by Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and cosponsored by Representatives Mannion, Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). 

“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." 

“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. Fleischmann. “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 legislation 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 (AASPA).