Public school teachers deserve a compensation system that puts them on a secure path toward retirement. The severely backloaded structure of today's public school teacher pension systems benefit only a small proportion of entering teachers while putting the rest on an insecure retirement path. But there is a cost-neutral solution to this problem…

When policy advocates debate how best to ensure equity in public education funding, the topic of teacher pension reform rarely comes up. But, in fact, pensions represent a very large and fast-growing source of education spending, much of it distributed in ways that are, in a number of states, anything but equitable. When states subsidize teacher…

For those who accept retirement as we now know it in America, the system awaits with all its entrapments. For those who are against retirement, there are many attractive alternatives worth the struggle of swimming upstream. (Author)

Outlines approaches principals may take in dealing with older teachers who will not have to retire at age 65 but who may not be up to handling a full teaching load. Principals must retain only competent teachers while not discriminating on the basis of age. (IRT)

In the Manhart case, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for women to be required to make higher payments into a retirement fund than do men to receive the same benefits. A district judge ruled elsewhere that a plan calling for equal payments but reduced monthly benefits for women is constitutional. (IRT)

Reports the needs and interests of several hundred recently retired teachers and school administrators. Solutions to subsistence retirement income are discussed. (MF)

Educational leaders are often asked how to reduce the alarming percentage of new teachers who leave the profession when their careers have barely started. But an equally important question--and one that is rarely addressed--is, What can be done to keep effective veteran teachers from retiring when schools need their wisdom, insight, and maturity?…

Recounts the circumstances leading to the author's decision to retire from teaching--an example of "knowing when to quit." (MCG)