Greater Greater Washington, June 17, 2024, Want To Improve DC Schools? Build Teacher Housing
The lack of teacher retention is becoming an epidemic: nationwide, 55% of teachers said they were contemplating leaving the profession, according to a 2022 survey by the National Education Association. Younger educators, teachers of color, and those working in low-income schools are even more likely to quit. In DC, where approximately 25% of teachers depart their jobs annually, the problem is pronounced.
I propose a practical solution to improve teacher retention here in the District: building affordable supportive housing on DC Public Schools land.
The correlation between teacher retention and academic success is undeniable, as retention impacts student delinquency rates and test scores while also bearing significant financial implications. Each departing teacher costs DCPS an estimated $20,000, due to spending on recruitment, hiring, and training. In total, this adds up to a projected $40 million over five years in DC.
