Moray Council has tried a variety of methods in a bid to entice more teachers to move to the region.
The authority is currently offering a £5,400 relocation package for some posts to help with moving costs.
The payment is offered to newly-appointed teachers moving to Moray to help with the burden of funding a career move.
Rent-free housing has been introduced on top of golden-hello payments as an added sweetener.
Springfield Properties offered five newly built two-bedroom flats in Elgin, four in Forres and one in Buckie to help plug gaps in education.
The homes have been made available to successful candidates for six months. Combined with the relocation package it could mean teachers moving to Moray could live for free for up to a year.
The council has also attempted to enlist the support of armed forces families. The authority has joined a pilot scheme to allow those qualified outside Scotland to teach in classrooms north of the border while spouses are deployed at Kinloss or Lossiemouth.
A promotional video was filmed to be shown online and at recruitment fairs to showcase the attractions of the region to candidates.
A part-time online course has also been launched with Aberdeen University to give students flexibility in getting qualifications while guaranteeing them a probationary post in Moray.