The Denver Public Schools Foundation has reported significant success in its pilot Free Educator Housing Program, which contributed to a notable increase in teacher retention within the district. According to a follow-up survey conducted by the Foundation, an impressive 93% of the educators who participated in the program have opted to continue their careers with Denver Public Schools (DPS).
This initiative, which provided free housing to 15 educators for one year, was developed in partnership with a local developer. Sara Hazel, president and CEO of the Denver Public Schools Foundation, highlighted the importance of this program, particularly for early-career teachers. Many of the participants were in hard-to-fill positions, including special education and English as a second language teachers. Hazel stated, “Research shows that when teachers stay through their first three years, they’re more likely to stay five, which means they’re more likely to stay longer, and we know that teacher retention supports our students more.”
The Foundation’s survey results revealed that all participants reported being able to save money and experienced a reduction in stress levels. These findings underscore the critical connection between housing stability and the ability of educators to remain in their roles, which ultimately benefits students.
Hazel expressed hope for the future of the program, stating, “We want our teachers to create deep roots in Denver and stay here. Our hope is that it continues to be of interest to other developers and property management companies who are looking to make an impact in the community.” She emphasized that affordable housing is essential for educators and that innovative philanthropic efforts can lead to meaningful change.
The success of the Free Educator Housing Program reflects a broader trend of addressing the challenges faced by teachers, particularly in urban areas where affordable housing is increasingly scarce. By providing direct support to educators, the program aims to enhance their job satisfaction and commitment to the district, fostering a more stable educational environment for students.
As the Foundation looks to expand this initiative, it highlights the role of community engagement in ensuring that educators can thrive both personally and professionally in Denver. The positive outcomes from this pilot program may serve as a model for similar initiatives in other districts, demonstrating the vital link between housing security and educational success.
