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From Lesson Plans to Building Plans: Addressing the School Workforce Shortage Through Housing took place in Bentonville, Arkansas, from September 9 to 11, 2025. The program examined how affordable housing affects teacher recruitment and retention, highlighting the Bentonville School District’s public-private-philanthropic partnership to create housing for educators. After receiving approval from the Arkansas Attorney General in 2023, the district advanced plans to build affordable housing to support its teachers and staff.

Participants attended sessions with education leaders, university researchers, nonprofit executives, and policymakers to explore the strategies and partnerships behind this model. The agenda featured site visits to teacher housing projects, discussions on the Arkansas teacher pipeline, and a comparative look at teacher housing efforts beyond the South. The program provided state leaders with insight into collaborative housing solutions that can address educational workforce challenges.