Although benefits can be a sizable part of an educator's total compensation, there has been little scholarly inquiry into the state pension plans for educators. Despite the fact that all defined benefit plans rely on the same basic formula for calculating annual pensions, they vary across states in the multiplier used, the method for calculating…

This article examines the pattern of incentives for work versus retirement in six state teacher pension systems. We do this by examining the annual accrual of pension wealth from an additional year of work over a teacher's career. Accrual of wealth is highly nonlinear and heavily loaded at arbitrary years that would normally be considered…

Provisions of employer-financed retirement plans have been changed to reflect statutory requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and other laws. The author discusses the vesting provisions of two types of plans--defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution plans. Future revisions, due to the 1986 Tax Reform Act, are…

The extent, causes, and possible consequences of underfunded teacher pensions are examined. The analysis is divided into two separate studies. Essay I, "Appraising the Funding Status of Teacher Pensions: An Econometric Approach," examines the funding status of teacher pension plans for the 50 states and for selected localities for the…

Three types of structures used in university systems to permit faculty and staff to take advantage of voluntary Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) programs are discussed. An innovative system at the University of Nevada is described. (MLW)

A study documented the continued backloading of pension benefits and the extent of retirement incentives by examining pension accrual in 1,183 U.S. defined benefit pension plans in 1979 and in one large Fortune 500 firm in 1984. Among the findings on the defined benefit pension plans were the following: many plans exhibit significant backloading;…

This study estimates the effects on pension benefits received by women that would result from some of the changes recommended in 1981 by the President's Commission on Pension Policy. The author argues that the private pension system now presents several barriers to the attainment of benefits by women. (SSH)

Declining enrollments in the 1980s, increasing financial pressures, and declining faculty vigor (publications) are publicized, but long-range planning to combat these problems is encountered less frequently. Early retirement is suggested as one response to meeting these challenges. (Author/MLW)

The California Faculty Association (CFA) seeks to secure and maintain sound retirement options that encourage phased faculty retirement. Their experience in negotiating and administering retirement options are discussed. Defined benefit plan and defined contribution plan are described. CFA agreements are appended. (MLW)

The annual Financial Report of the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana is divided into six main sections. The Introductory Section includes the letter of transmittal, names of the Board of Trustees, staff, and consultants; the organization chart; copy of certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for 1995 financial…

On July 1, 1976 a new National Partial Pension Scheme came into effect in Sweden, which will allow older workers (60-65) to reduce their working hours and draw partial pensions as a preparation for full retirement. (Editor)

This booklet provides an overview of the principal concepts of pension portability. Pension portability has become an area of increasing interest since a lack of portability discourages veteran teachers from seeking teaching opportunities in other districts or states. This obstacle can force teachers to abandon the profession, thus contributing to…

Part 3 of a three-part report on fringe benefits in public schools, this study reports fringe benefits received by classroom teachers for school year 1979-80 in the 803 districts that responded to a survey instrument mailed to a sample of 1,808 public school systems. Data on leave provisions, group insurance programs, professional liability…

Long-term disability income coverage is seen as the most rapidly growing staff benefit in recent years. A Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association's survey of existing long-term disability plans, which provide adequate income replacement, is discussed. (MLW)

The Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 provides vesting requirements for private pension plans but not transfer of vested monies to the new employer when an employee changes jobs. Unless problems of increased employer costs and possible employee benefit losses are resolved, a mandatory portable pension concept is unlikely. (MF)