Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign Releases New Podcast Episode on the Impact of Rising Housing Costs on Teachers 

By Ella Izenour, NLIHC Opportunity Starts at Home Intern and Julie Walker, NLIHC National Campaign Coordinator  

The Opportunity Starts at Home campaign released a new podcast episode, “The Growing Gap Between Teacher Pay and Housing Costs.” The episode, hosted by Julie Walker, features a discussion with Dr. Heather Peske, President of the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). Dr. Peske discusses a recent report from NCTQ, “Priced Out: The Growing Challenge of Teacher Pay and Housing Costs,” which examines the disparity between housing costs and teacher salaries. Analysis of this issue reveals that nationwide, teachers across a wide range of educational backgrounds and experiences are struggling with housing costs.   

In a study examining 72 large, urban school districts, NCTQ found that housing costs between 2019 and 2025 have outpaced teachers’ salary growth, with rental costs increasing by 51% on average and teachers’ salaries only growing by about 24%. The nationwide shortage of affordable housing contributes to an increase in teacher turnover, higher vacancy rates, and districts having a harder time keeping experienced teachers. As teachers are priced out of school districts, schools face higher turnover rates, and students are deprived of consistent, high-quality, and effective education.   

The episode highlights the disproportionate impact of housing affordability on teachers of color and school employees earning low wages who are more likely to be rent burdened. While NCTQ’s issue brief focuses on educator pay, the conversation stresses that school staff at every income level must be able to afford stable and accessible housing in the communities they serve. The discussion also emphasizes the urgent need for targeted support for teachers in the form of subsidized housing options, low interest home loans, and the prioritization of teacher pay in school budget planning. These changes, along with larger policy changes that increase affordable housing stock and strengthen existing housing programs are crucial to ensuring the needs of educators, school staff, and their communities are fully met.  

The National Council on Teacher Quality is a member of the Opportunity Starts at Home campaign’s Opportunity Roundtable.  

Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple, and Soundcloud.