Scott, Cornyn, Bennet, Warner Introduce Bill to Support Teachers and School Leaders

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Michael Bennet (D-Col.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) today introduced the Teacher and School LEADERS Act, which would reform Teacher Quality Partnership Grants to better support school leaders and allow for greater innovation in educator preparation.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our nation’s teachers and school leaders who have given so much to the next generation—even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Senator Scott. “As someone who struggled in school, I am living proof that a few devoted teachers can change the trajectory of a kid’s life. By providing high-quality teacher and leadership preparation programs, the Teacher and School LEADERS Act will ensure more of our educators have the tools they need to lead the next generation with excellence.”

“Strong school leaders can have an outsized impact on the quality of education for our students, especially in high-needs school districts,” said Senator Cornyn. “It’s important that educators have access to grant programs to further their impact in our local schools, and I’m proud to partner with my colleagues on this legislation.”

“Educators work tirelessly in Colorado and across the country to support our kids, and this past year has been especially challenging,” said Senator Bennet. “Our legislation invests in flexible, high-quality training programs for our nation’s educators to use innovative tools and approaches in the classroom. Now more than ever, teachers and school leaders deserve to have access to the training and support they need to grow their careers and support their students.”

“Investing in professional development supports and empowers educators and makes them better teachers. I am proud to reintroduce legislation that invests in the future of our children,” said Senator Warner.

Background:

The Teacher and School LEADERS Act would reform Title II of the Higher Education Act to expand the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant program. Specifically, the bill would:

• Expand the program to provide training to educators who aspire to fill leadership roles in high-need schools, and
• Remove restrictions requiring grant recipients to partner with an Institution of Higher Education, ensuring greater flexibility within preparation programs.

The Teacher and School LEADERS Act is supported by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the American Psychological Association, Knowledge Alliance, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, the National Council of Teachers of English, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Leading Educators, the National Science Teaching Association, the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, New Leaders, Teach For America, and Third Way.

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