If educators would return to the classroom to teach, their retirement benefits would not be at risk of suspension or reduction.

LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (KLFY)-- Retired teachers can now be reemployed in Lafayette Parish due to a new law as a result of a critical shortage.

The legislation detailed the conditions under which a teacher may reenter the workforce:

• Critical shortage positions may be full-time or part-time, including classroom teachers speech therapists, school counselors and others where there is a documented critical shortage in school districts.
• Retirees and their employers will contribute to the retirement system during reemployment, but no additional service credit or retirement benefits will accrue during this period.

If educators would return to the classroom to teach, their retirement benefits would not be at risk of suspension or reduction. Those who choose to take on these critical shortage positions can keep receiving benefits while reemployed as long as certain expectations are met, which includes certification from the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding the critical shortage.

Salaries will start at the first-year teacher pay scale, and while employed, retirees and employers will give to the retirement system as specified by the law. No additional service credit or retirement benefits will be collected.

Before a retired educator is hired, employers need to fulfill certain requirements including posting job openings at local educational institutions, advertising regularly and maintaining updated listings of available positions.

For more information , visit the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana website, or contact Pam Kennedy at pmkennedy@lpssonline.com, at the LPSS Retirement office.

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