TERI, a government incentive program that encourages teachers to work past their retirement age, is planned to end at the end of next June.
So, what is TERI (a.k.a. Teacher Employment Retention Incentive)?
TERI allows state employees to collect full retirement benefits while also earning a partial salary for up to five years. The end of the program means TERI participants can return to work, but only as working retirees.
So what does that mean for our schools?
Teachers and parents alike fear a “mass exodus” of teachers once the program ends next June. Over 7,500 teachers and state employees are currently participating in TERI, meaning up to that number could be retiring full-time. And even with our higher ed’s great education programs, colleges cannot produce new teachers as quickly as the TERI’s are retiring for good.
Not only will public school districts be affected, but all state agencies as well. A recent report found 14% of state jobs vacant, but with minimal pay raises and demanding conditions, they aren’t likely to be filled soon.
