Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/602151
school community," Blanc says. "Many leave before that happens, driven out by the high costs of housing." Among the reasons for San Francisco's high rents: an influx of tech workers willing to pay huge prices; a "shar- ing economy" where landlords make more profit renting to tourists than locals; and developers building luxury condos instead of affordable housing. e average cost of a home or condo in the city is now over $1 million. "Twenty-five years ago, I was able to raise a family on a teacher's salary," Blanc says. "But for many teachers and paraeducators, that is no longer possible today." Not just San Francisco According to research by the National Housing Con- ference, teachers can't afford median-priced homes in one-third of the 200 metro areas they surveyed. Even so, the Bay Area stands out for its high costs. Ben Ravey has taught social studies at Gunderson High School in San Jose for 11 years. e single dad and San Jose Teachers Association member rents a one-bedroom apartment in Fremont and com- mutes 40 minutes each way. He has considered moving, but needs to stay in the Bay Area where he shares custody of his daughter. In the current economy, his $82,000 annual salary doesn't come close to letting him buy anything in pricey Silicon Valley. Turnover is high on his campus, especially in the math department, because teachers are lured by tech companies that pay more. Carol Emerson, a special education teacher at Luther Burbank Elementary School in San Jose, will turn 60 soon. Her rent continually goes up. She just received a salary increase and considered "splurging" on something for herself, but then her rent increased and the impulse vanished. "I never thought I'd be 60 years old and forced to take a roommate," she muses. "We're definitely losing teachers in San Jose Unified School District," Coping With the Housing Crunch S H E L BY A DA M S Santa Ana Educators Association Teacher at Esqueda Elementary School High rents have forced my son and me to move three times in six years. I am committed to keeping my son in Costa Mesa, because the schools are excellent and I cannot uproot him anymore. My standard of living at 42 with a master's degree is not what I envisioned. My parents both taught and retired from the same district I teach in. They were able to afford a large home, take family vacations and send all three children to college on teacher salaries. The current cost of living in Orange County has made that nearly impossible for teachers like me on a single income. How about a sufficient salary for teach- ers based on the cost of living in a given area — and changing the rules so teach- ers can move to different districts without professional and financial penalties? D E B B I E M E R R E L L San Jose Teachers Association Teacher at Los Alamitos Elementary School Our house was underwater, and we owed more than it was worth. We almost lost our house. We have slowly been trying to climb out of debt. Our credit is pretty much ruined, and we're just sur- viving. We have thought of moving many times. But I was born and raised here, all my family is here, and I want our children to know their relatives. Teachers should make more money. Our country pays six to seven figures to someone who creates technology for the next iPhone, app or computer, but pays just a fraction of that to individuals who inspire love of learning in children. It doesn't seem right. M O N I C A A L L E N California Faculty Association, San Jose State University Assistant professor of health sciences I live in an apartment in Richmond, 50 miles from where I work. I looked for a place in San Jose that was comparable, but it would have cost twice as much. I wanted to buy a house in San Jose, but my salary isn't even enough to qualify for a loan. Whether I drive or take public transportation, it takes me two hours to get to and from work each way. I'm exhausted by the time I get there. But I'm not alone. In my department we have six permanent faculty, and only one lives in San Jose. There is some housing for teachers on campus, but there is a two-year wait, and I was told it is very expensive. But I'm going to get on the list. Carol Emerson 25 November 2015