their likelihood of retention is greater where opportunities exist to innovate and advocate on behalf of students, especially when a teacher acts in partnership with school and district administration to address student and teacher needs. (14) Structured leadership programs are an effective way to help combat the nationwide teacher shortage and improve teacher retention by empowering teachers and establishing formal peer mentorships between effective and experienced teachers and those just entering the profession, which also leads to academic and socio-emotional benefits for students. (15) Federal policies are needed to encourage and fund the establishment of structured leadership programs at public schools, especially in high-need schools and school districts. 3. Teacher leadership grant program (a) Definitions In this section: (1) ESEA terms The terms educational service agency , elementary school , local educational agency , paraprofessional , school leader , secondary school , and Secretary have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). (2) Distributed leadership The term distributed leadership means a range of approaches wherein the school leadership shares aspects of the traditional set of school decisions, organization, management, and operations with teachers in a manner that is coordinated by, agreed to, and led by the teachers and school leadership. (3) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means— (A) a local educational agency or educational service agency