Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan bill addresses mental health needs of education workforce

Numerous national organizations representing teachers, principals, and superintendents are backing a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) that would improve their access to mental health resources.

Rep. Fitzpatrick on Feb. 2 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2023, H.R. 744, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to address behavioral health and well-being among education professionals and other school staff, according to the text of the bill.

“Teachers and school staff are the backbone of our education system, helping our schools flourish, and they deserve to have mental health resources readily available,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “These individuals work tirelessly for our children and communities, and I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation that gives them increased support.”

H.R. 744 has been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the American Psychological Association, Teach For America, and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, among many others.

If enacted, H.R. 744 would increase access to critical resources by designing and scaling up evidence-based approaches to address the mental health needs of the U.S. education workforce, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s staff.

For instance, the bill would require coordination between federal agencies to develop best practices for preventing suicide and improving mental health and resiliency among education professionals; and would train education professionals in appropriate strategies to promote their mental health.

Additionally, H.R. 744 aims to destigmatize mental health care by disseminating an education and awareness initiative that would encourage education professionals to use mental health and substance use disorder services. The bill also would establish programs to promote mental health among this workforce, the summary says.

“At a time when many teachers and staff are at a breaking point, we must make tangible improvements to support them in their work,” said Rep. Bonamici. “I developed the Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act with input from many educators and advocates, and I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation.”