Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) has introduced the bipartisan Teachers Are Leaders Act, aimed at expanding professional development and leadership opportunities for teachers nationwide. The legislation was introduced with Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14).
The Federal Teacher Quality Partnership program has traditionally linked schools with universities to prepare new teachers, but Fitzpatrick noted that educators in Bucks and Montgomery Counties have expressed a lack of growth opportunities for those already teaching. The new bill seeks to address this by providing veteran educators with pathways to leadership roles within their schools.
“Strong schools start with strong teachers, and the best ideas come from listening to them,” said Fitzpatrick. “In my conversations with teachers across PA-1, one message has been clear: while we invest heavily in preparing new educators, we do not do enough to support the growth of those already serving in our classrooms.
The Teachers Are Leaders Act changes that. It empowers experienced teachers to mentor their colleagues, lead in curriculum development, and strengthen engagement with families and communities. By advancing teacher leadership, we retain talent, address our nationwide educator shortage, and ensure every student benefits from the guidance of effective, inspired educators. I am proud to bring the voices of our local teachers to the national stage and build bipartisan consensus around this critical reform.”
Rep. Schneider added: “Empowering experienced educators to mentor new teachers is one of the best ways we can retain a high-quality teaching workforce. 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.”
“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.”
Supporters include several major education organizations such as AFT, NEA, NAESP, NASSP, Third Way, and 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 of NAESP.
Ronn Nozoe from NASSP stated: “The role of the teacher has evolved requiring ongoing professional development… The Teachers Are Leaders Act will provide critical resources…”
Fitzpatrick’s work on this legislation follows his history as an advocate for local education initiatives since taking office representing Pennsylvania’s 1st district (source). He previously secured federal funding releases for after-school programs as well as Head Start renewals for Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
“From securing urgent federal dollars to protecting Head Start… my commitment has never wavered: I will always fight to ensure our schools have the resources… so that every child in PA-1 has access…” Fitzpatrick said.
Fitzpatrick was born in Philadelphia in 1973 (source) and currently resides in Levittown (source). He graduated from La Salle University before earning his JD at Pennsylvania State University (source).
