“Home” Work: Expanding Housing Education in the Elementary Grades

As we continue to experience a housing shortage, it is important to provide a variety of housing options to meet the needs of area residents. However, some housing options are prevented from development due to exclusionary zoning practices. This presentation offers a better understanding of housing norms and how they are shaped at an early age and provides an overview of professional development materials created for elementary teachers to help overcome this housing bias. In the short term, these materials can increase the housing awareness and knowledge of teachers, their students, and their families. In the long run, there is the potential to expand the area’s housing stock through this increased awareness and knowledge.