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Housing For Teachers

May 23, 2006

If you are a school district and have a shortage of teachers in special education, math and science, what do you do? Be creative! Use subsidized housing as bait.

New York City is having problems finding teachers for their more challenging schools. The entire nation is experiencing a shortage in math, science and special ed teachers. NYC has decided to take the pro-active approach toward the teacher shortage.

David Herszenhorn of The New York Times states that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is willing to pay $5000 up front to teachers as a sign on bonus to be used for housing expenses. It can be used for moving expenses, a down payment on a house, or security deposits for renters. The plan will also pay a $400 monthly stipend for two years.

What's the Catch?

Teachers must commit to teach in some of the cities toughest schools for three years. What if you are already teaching in NYC? If you have been already working in NYC for two years, you will also be eligible for the subsidies.

Master Teacher Pay

NYC has also begun to compensate Master Teachers. A master teacher will earn an additional $10,000 a year. Base pay in NYC is $45,600 to $69,840 a year. The housing assistance could come to $15,000 per teacher. NYC is willing to spend $1.5 million a year until the shortage problem is solved.

How Many Teachers are Needed?

NYC plans on hiring 800 math teachers, 450 science teachers and 1,300 special education teachers. This would be to merely keep pace with positions opening due to retirements and other reasons. This does not account for hiring additional positions where there was a shortage.

This is a creative approach. Other schools may just offer the same to fill open positions.

Related article: Teacher Shortage Looming

Read previous articles on Educational Issues.

The copyright of the article Housing For Teachers in Educational Issues is owned by Barbara Pytel. Permission to republish Housing For Teachers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Comments

May 23, 2006 1:16 PM

Irene Taylor :

Hi Barb,

This is very interesting - subsidies for teachers who are willing to teach in difficult schools. I'd be curious as to how many takers they get. I guess with such attractive subsidies, teachers may be willing at first - but I wonder where the breaking point will be between the "good deal" and the stress of teaching in such challenging schools.

Definitely a very creative solution to a vexing problem!

Irene

May 23, 2006 6:24 PM

Barbara Pytel :

In the 1950's and 60's, it was common to have a house for the principal or superintendent of a school be provided with housing as part of their contract, at least in NW Iowa. New carpeting, kitchen cupboards, and maintenance were part of the parks. I'm not sure that would be enough incentive for me, but at least they are trying to think out of the box in NY.

2 Comments