Newton for Everyone will host “Priced Out,” an event addressing the challenges teachers face in affording homes near their workplaces in Newton Public Schools, Tuesday, Sept. 30.

“We’re hoping to raise awareness of the connection between teacher retention and housing availability,” Newton for Everyone board member Joshua Herzig-Marx said.  

He added that many Newton teachers cannot afford to live in Newton. “There’s a shortage of housing in Newton and in surrounding towns—there isn’t any place for them to be able to live really at any price,” he said.

Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, will deliver the keynote address at the event and take questions.

In an interview, Peske said, “Even though teacher salaries have grown their purchasing power, the strength of their wallets has shrunk because housing prices in Newton and the surrounding areas are increasing so much more.”

Long commutes, Peske added, make teachers more likely to leave their jobs or the profession altogether.

Regarding those commutes, Junior Skye Larson added that they, “can take away from hours that they could be preparing lesson plans, that they could be grading work, that they could be helping be the best teacher they can possibly be.” Larson and Junior Emily Riordan speak locally as part of the Crisis Committee to raise awareness about housing availability.

Riordan added that she has had teachers with long commutes. “Then they have to wake up early for a long commute to work and I think that sets them off tired for the day,” she said.

Herzig-Marx emphasized that Newton residents often overlook the connection between the city’s strong schools and affordable housing for teachers.

“Newton cares a lot about its schools, but does not realize the connection between great schools and great teachers that are able to afford housing,” he said.

The Priced Out event will be held from  7 to 8 p.m. in Nordic Hall at the Scandinavian Living Center. The event will also be livestreamed on Zoom.