Your contract has detailed retirement information regarding announcement dates, sick day buy out, health insurance in retirement and much more. It is important that you read and understand all of this valuable information as you start planning for retirement. Reach out to your building representative regarding any general questions and contact the human resources department at district office with any specific retirement questions.
The New York State Teachers' Retirement System or TRS for short, provides each member with a comprehensive annual profile detailing their potential retirement benefits. Even early in your career it is important that you understand the information provided. If you do not understand a particular part of your profile do not be embarrassed, ask for help. Reach out to your building representative with your questions. If they are unable to help you, contact the SCTA Member Benefits Committee at southcolonieteachers@gmail.com.
As you near retirement, it is absolutely necessary that you contact TRS directly and set up an appointment with a representative from their office. Their staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and they will give you the time needed to make sure you feel comfortable and secure as you transition into this wonderful chapter of your life. It is recommended that you contact TRS approximately 5-7 years prior to your retirement to begin working with their staff. You can, and are encouraged to reach out to them even earlier with questions and concerns or even to set up intermediate meetings along the way to retirement. You can locate all of the helpful tools and services they provide as well as all the necessary contact information you might need on the TRS website.