APA Services has endorsed the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act (H.R. 744opens in new window), which would help schools and school districts address the growing mental health needs of teachers and other school personnel. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Susan Wild (D-PA), would provide funding to schools to establish programs that support educator mental health through evidence-based services and include training on mental health and resiliency in both educator training and professional development programs. The legislation would also require better coordination between federal agencies to develop best practices for improving mental health and resiliency among education professionals. The bill aligns with APA Services’ policy recommendations (PDF, 69KB)opens in new window on educator mental health and well-being.
APA Senior Director for Congressional and Federal Relations and Education Policy Lead Kenneth Polishchuk was quoted in an Education Weekopens in new window article emphasizing the importance of supporting educator mental health, which has an impact on the social, emotional, and academic development of students.
For more information, contact Kenneth Polishchuk.