Olszewski, Brown Introduce Refresh Act to Improve Teacher Wellness and Mental Health

Washington, DC - As the nation recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week, Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) have introduced the REFRESH Act, legislation to create a new federal grant program to support educator wellness and mental health programs.

The REFRESH Act would authorize the Department of Education to administer grants to State Educational Agencies to implement educator wellness programs in their states.

Mental health, stress, and a lack of wellness support are pushing educators out of the profession. A 2025 survey found that nearly 70% of early-career educators considered leaving teaching due to a lack of support or poor working conditions. Fifty-three percent of K-12 teachers report feelings of burnout. Another survey found that 37% of teachers plan to leave their current school in the next year and 18% plan to leave the profession entirely.

"As a former public school teacher, I know firsthand that when we support our educators, we support our students and our schools," said Congressman Johnny Olszewski (MD-02). "The REFRESH Act invests in the well-being of school staff, strengthens retention, and helps create the conditions every student needs to succeed. I am proud to lead this important effort with Congresswoman Brown."

"Supporting educators shouldn't just be a slogan, it should be federal policy. The REFRESH Act makes resources available to help educators thrive and keep doing the job love. Unfortunately, stress, burnout, and mental health issues caused by a lack of support are pushing teachers and educators out of the classroom. It's bad for teachers, bad for students, and bad for schools. I'm proud to introduce this legislation with Congressman Olszewski with the support of leading education advocates. Teaching has never been harder, and it's time to step up and support educators," said Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11).

REFRESH Act grants may be used to address burnout and workforce strain, improve the well-being and mental health, improve stress management and workplace conditions and more. Grants will be awarded by the Secretary of Education on a competitive basis, prioritizing programs in districts facing workforce challenges and serving high-need student populations. Bill text here.

Congressman Olszewski is Education Task Force Chair for the New Democrat Coalition's Workforce & Education Working Group. Congresswoman Brown is Mental Health Task Force Chair for the New Democrat Coalition's Health Care Working Group.

The REFRESH Act is endorsed by: the American Federation of Teachers, EdTrust, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the National School Boards Association, All4Ed, the National School Board Association's Council of Urban Boards Education, the Council of Administrators of Special Education, the Center for Black Educator Development, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

"Burnout, stress, and resulting job turnover are significant factors fueling the educator shortages plaguing communities across the country. We commend Congresswoman Brown's leadership in addressing this important issue through the REFRESH ACT, which will provide much needed support to schools as they seek to improve educators' working conditions," said Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D. CEO and President of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher's Education.

"Our educators and school leaders are the heartbeat of our communities, yet they are facing an unprecedented crisis of burnout and workforce instability. We cannot expect our students to thrive if the system supporting them is under constant strain. The REFRESH Act takes a crucial, common-sense step forward by investing directly in the well-being, mental health, and working conditions of our school personnel. By pairing federal support and state leadership with local flexibility, this legislation empowers districts to design tailored solutions that keep talented educators in the classroom and strong leaders at the helm. We are proud to endorse Congresswoman Shontel Brown's REFRESH Act, which recognizes that supporting our educators is the single best way to ensure the long-term success of our students," said Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs, Executive Director and CEO, National School Boards Association (NSBA).

"I've been a classroom teacher and a district leader, and I know firsthand what's at stake when we fail our educators. The REFRESH Act gets it right; it invests in the conditions that make great teaching possible and trusts local communities to design solutions centered on wellness, trust, and respect. Our students thrive and succeed when the adults who serve them are supported, rather than stretched past their breaking point. This legislation is long overdue, and we are proud to stand behind it," said Dr. Amy Loyd CEO of All4Ed.

"School personnel are on the front lines, navigating the complex needs of the young people they serve. The REFRESH Act addresses the growing strain on our educator workforce by prioritizing well-being, retention, and supportive school environments. By investing in evidence-based strategies that reduce burnout and expand access to mental health supports, this legislation recognizes that educator wellness is fundamental to student success. NAMI is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Brown for her leadership in strengthening school communities," said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

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