Many of today’s job seekers are more benefit savvy than their predecessors. They are looking beyond the salary, to issues like working conditions, affordable housing, commute time, and other benefits when choosing where they want to teach.

I know of two neighboring districts that illustrate the difference the benefits package can made very well. One district pays a higher salary, but the other district has better benefits. In this case, after the higher paying district deducts for teacher retirement, health insurance, and liability insurance (all of which are paid for teachers by the lower salaried district), the net pay is actually higher in the lower salaried district.

Many districts are looking at ways to put affordable housing within the reach of teachers who say they cannot afford to buy or rent homes in pricey school districts. From district owned housing that teachers can buy or rent below market value, to low interest mortgage loans for teachers, to mortgage signing bonuses, school districts nationwide are setting up teacher-housing programs to bring in and keep teachers.