When the Landlord Knocks…

So you’ve finally got that first paycheck! Great! Buy yourself dinner and a pair of comfortable shoes, and—oh, yeah—don’t forget to write the rent check. What’s that? You can’t afford the rent?

You’re not the only one. As housing costs continue to rise, especially in and near cities, many teachers worry over the rent. (Never mind the mortgage!) In response, some school districts are tackling housing costs on their own: In New York City this year, new math, science, and special education teachers will get a one-time $5,000 housing bonus, plus $400 a month for two years. (In return, teachers commit to three years in a high-needs school.) In California, the Santa Clara Unified School District actually built apartments for teachers five years ago. Another option, especially for the would-be home buyer, is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s “Teacher Next Door” program, which allows teachers to buy houses in revitalization areas for 50 percent off. (For more info, see: www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/reo/goodn/tnd.cfm.)

But still, we like this idea: Pay teachers more!