In a climate of enhanced accountability where some individuals see teachers as part of the problem, the Professional Development School movement recognizes that teachers are an important part of the solution to our educational issues. Teacher research empowers teachers to conduct evidence-based investigations of their teaching practices. Providing the opportunity for teachers to share their inquiries at national conferences raises the voices of teachers in the national policy conversation. The Jim Nolan Professional Development School (PDS) Fund will provide a vehicle to pay for the registration and travel expenses for mentor teachers in the State College Area School District to attend and present at national conferences each year, as well as fund teacher action research and other teacher leadership opportunities.