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Bill: H.R. 10164 – Teachers are Leaders Act of 2024, 118th Congress 

Sponsor: Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10)

Co-Sponsors: Reps. David Trone (D-MD-06) , Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) 

Executive Summary

  • The Teachers are Leaders Act was filed in 2024 as a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the national teacher shortage and improving student outcomes by investing in the professional growth of experienced educators. 

  • The legislation seeks to expand leadership opportunities for current teachers, allowing them to mentor their peers and contribute to their school communities in new capacities while continuing to teach. 

  • By creating formal "teacher leader" roles, the bill intends to improve teacher retention, strengthen the pipeline of future school administrators, and leverage the valuable expertise of veteran teachers to benefit the entire school system.

  • The bill is expected to be re-filed this Congress. 

The Challenge

Schools across the nation face significant challenges in retaining effective teachers. Many experienced educators leave the profession due to a lack of growth opportunities that do not involve leaving the classroom for administrative positions. This turnover contributes to instability in schools, a shortage of qualified educators, and a weakened pipeline for future principals and school leaders. Furthermore, new teachers often lack the structured mentorship and support that experienced colleagues are uniquely positioned to provide.

The Solution

The Teachers are Leaders Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the existing Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant program. Currently, these grants connect schools with universities to support teacher preparation and development for new teachers. This bill would make funding available for a new purpose: establishing teacher leader development programs for experienced, currently employed teachers.

Key provisions of the proposed programs include:

  • Formalized Leadership Roles: Creating paid, recognized leadership positions for teachers that supplement their classroom responsibilities.

  • Professional Development: Training experienced teachers in specific leadership competencies.

  • Focus Areas: The teacher leader roles would focus on high-need areas within a school, such as:

    • Peer coaching and mentoring for new or struggling teachers.

    • Curriculum development and implementation.

    • Facilitating professional learning communities.

    • Improving family and community engagement.

Intended Outcomes

  • Improve Teacher Retention: By providing clear pathways for career advancement and leadership, the bill aims to keep effective, experienced teachers in the profession and in the classroom.

  • Strengthen School Leadership: The program will cultivate a pipeline of skilled educators prepared to step into administrative roles like principals and instructional coaches in the future.

  • Boost Student Achievement: Leveraging the skills of top teachers to mentor colleagues and improve instruction school-wide is expected to lead to better student outcomes.

  • Combat Educator Shortages: Creating a more supportive and professionally rewarding environment will help attract and retain talent, addressing critical shortages.

Bipartisan Support & Endorsements

The Teachers are Leaders Act garnered bipartisan support in the 118th Congress and was endorsed by a wide range of leading education organizations, including:

  • National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

  • National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

  • Third Way

Legislative Status

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 18, 2024, and was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for consideration. The bill is likely to be refiled in 2025 for the 119th Congress, although it is important to note that the future of Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grants are uncertain given clawbacks from the administration. It is possible that alternative means of funding and/or implementation may be considered.