Teacher Housing Initiatives

Quality of life is always a significant consideration for prospective teachers. Frequent questions interested educator candidates ask are: What does the school and neighboring community offer? Is housing readily available and/or affordable?

The Division of School Effectiveness has taken several innovative approaches to quality of life issues. Indeed, studies have shown that teachers who establish roots within a community are more likely to stay on the job. Here is a sampling of works in progress:

1. The South Carolina Department of Education has partnered with the Department of Commerce on a grant program designed to build and/or renovate housing for South Carolina's rural teachers. For example: in 2010,, Saluda County took advantage of this grant and renovated a six-unit apartment complex in Saluda County and made it available exclusively for teachers.
   
   
2. Architectural renderings have been developed for the innovative South Carolina Teacher Village project. Under this plan, districts interested in providing housing for teachers may choose from a variety of pre-approved housing configurations. The SC Teacher Village will assist beginning, international, and veteran educators who are working in the state's rural areas.
   
   
3. The SCDE partnered with the South Carolina Housing Authority to offer low-interest loans and down payment assistance for teachers seeking to purchase their first homes. The $42 million, 2010 Palmetto Heroes Program included teachers in its efforts to honor professionals who are first-time homebuyers. In 2008, 170 teachers purchased their first homes through the program.