New York City Schools And Teachers' Union Join Forces To Attract New Teaching Talent Through Innovative Housing Support Program

Like many other school districts in big cities, New York City now has a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in the most challenging schools. If state law requires teachers in critical areas targeted substance of mathematics, science and special education to be certified, there are 600 positions currently held by teachers without proper evidence. This gap, which includes all types of middle and high schools, applied for an innovative solution to the problem. Schools in New York City and the United Federation of Teachers has developed a creative approach to meet the needs of experts, certified teachers - support for new housing programs. It is considered one of the most concerted and generous aimed at recruiting teachers in shortage areas with worse. The joint effort is a rare example of cooperation between the two parties. The program provides housing assistance incentives worth up to $ 15,000 for certified teachers in shortage areas. The initial incentive payment up to $ 5000 for living expenses. These costs include variable costs, the down payment on a mortgage, and rent and deposits. This initial payment is followed by a guard salary of $ 400 for a period of two years. In addition, schools in New York and the Union of teachers' collaboration with the Department of City housing preservation and development to assist home ownership to those teachers. This includes housing counseling and access to pay for assistance to eligible teachers and their families. To be eligible for housing assistance program, teachers must have at least two years of teaching experience, be able to pass a rigorous selection process, and be willing to commit to teach in schools in New York for at least three years. Former New York City teachers with two years of teaching experience, and has been certified by New York City school for at least two years are also eligible for the program. Teachers already living in New York City area schools and want to move to town, schools can use the money to hire existing installment. This innovative program creates an opportunity for all members of teachers unions to use such subsidies for home and cover the higher cost of living in New York City area schools. This is one of the most aggressive housing incentive in the U.S.. In comparison, the Chicago School offers one $ 7500 grant, while California offers up to $ 20,000, but everything must be repaid. New York City schools is of strategic recruitment with excursions to the State of California, which have similar housing costs, as well as other states in the northwestern and southeastern United States. In addition, an advertising campaign that will promote New York City schools programs at local and national newspapers, as well as other print and electronic media. New York City schools hope to recruit an extra 100 teachers for the academic year 2006-07. Teachers are recruited to begin work on a high school needs of medium and high, where these teachers are most in demand. The new housing program will really make a difference for underserved students and provide a competitive advantage for the schools in New York City.