[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 12, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H4436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING AMERICA'S TEACHERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
America's hardworking, dedicated, and passionate teachers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure every Member of this House can think of a 
teacher who had a positive influence not only on their education, but 
on their life.
  Teachers push students to achieve their best, and they show students 
how to realize their full potential. Sometimes, it is the interest of 
just one teacher that can transform the life of a young person.
  Teachers are often the most underrated, yet powerful, professionals 
in the entire world. They truly do shape young minds.
  That is why, last week, I was proud to introduce H.R. 3108, the 
Teachers Are Leaders Act. This bipartisan legislation, led by 
Congressman Brad Schneider, seeks to expand professional development 
and leadership growth opportunities for teachers.
  Under the current law, the Federal Teacher Quality Partnership grant 
connects local schools with nearby colleges and universities to create 
professional development programs for new teachers. However, there are 
not enough opportunities for established teachers to develop leadership 
and peer mentoring skills that can help retain teachers and boost 
student achievement.
  The Teachers Are Leaders Act would expand the Teacher Quality 
Partnership grants by making teacher leader programs focused on 
professional development for established teachers eligible for funding. 
These programs would focus on peer coaching, family and community 
engagement, curriculum development, and other ways to make full use of 
their experience as educators and leaders within their communities.
  If schools want to recruit and retain high-quality teachers, then 
they must treat them like the professionals that they are. That means 
we must allow them to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
  Mr. Speaker, professional development is essential in all positions, 
especially for those who are educating the next generation. Now I am 
pleased that this bipartisan legislation devotes the resources 
necessary to give teachers the tools to become even stronger leaders 
for our youth.
  Teachers lend a caring hand and extend a loving heart. They make 
differences in the lives of our students academically, emotionally, and 
physically. This legislation strengthens the teaching profession and 
lets them take their experience to the next level. I encourage my 
colleagues to support the Teachers Are Leaders Act today.

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