The city’s school system is about to make an enticing offer, especially in this city of sky-high real estate prices – cash for teachers’ apartments and houses in the five boroughs.

In a new push to woo much-needed math, science, and special education teachers to the city’s most troubled schools, the Department of Education will offer teachers up to $15,000 in housing assistance.

In the deal inked with the United Federation of Teachers, certified teachers with at least two years of experience are eligible to apply. In exchange, educators must commit to spend at least three years in the city’s schools.

“I think this is terrific,” the city’s schools chancellor, Joel Klein, told The New York Sun yesterday. “When you’re able to use this kind of housing bonus to attract teachers, it’s going to make our job easier to do.”

Mr. Klein emphasized the importance of pay differentials for teachers in improving the city’s schools. The city hopes to use the housing bonus to attract at least 100 teachers by September.

Teachers will receive a one-time payment of $5,000 to help with moving costs, broker’s fees, and down payments. After that, they will receive $400 a month for two years to help with rent or mortgage payments.

“Many public school educators, like other public servants in our city, often struggle to pay their bills,” the president of the United Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, said. She said all her members would welcome the assistance.

As part of the deal, the Department of Education and the Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development also will offer down payment assistance and homeownership counseling to current teachers whose family income is less than $56,720.