Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2026

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services, working with the Department of Education, to identify and share best practices within 2 years for preventing suicide and improving mental health among teachers and other school staff. It creates a national education and awareness campaign encouraging school staff to seek mental health and substance use care, with $10 million authorized per year for 2026 through 2028. It authorizes 3-year grants or contracts to state and local education agencies and colleges for staff mental health programs, such as peer support and access to licensed mental health care, with priority for areas with many Title I schools. It also allows training grants for educator preparation and professional development, authorizes $35 million per year for 2026 through 2028 for these grants, and requires a federal review and a Government Accountability Office report to Congress.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Tim Kaine Democrat sponsor
• 3 cosponsors