Your Membership

Membership and participation in the Teachers' Retirement System is mandatory for all eligible teachers. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

  • You occupy a position in a Connecticut public school which requires you to hold certification,
  • You possess the appropriate Connecticut certification for that position, and
  • You are employed for a minimum average of half-time or greater.

Your membership in the Teachers' Retirement System will begin the month in which you start working provided it is on the first working day of the month.  

Special Note: If you are a member of professional staff employed in an educational role by the Commission for Higher Education in one of the State of Connecticut's public universities, colleges or technical colleges, you may have a choice of retirement plans. You may elect to participate in the Teachers' Retirement System, the State Employees' Retirement System or an alternate retirement program.