If you live in a state that has WEP and GPO and you have your 40 quarters you may want to contact your congressmen. The social security fairness act is being voted on next month. Even if you don’t have your own ss, but are married, this will affect survivor benefits. I am not a fan of asking the government for anything free., I have earned this and should get it. I have met full retirement age and can get the ss that I earned. I have started taking it because it reduces to 1/3 in retirement

Does anyone know if we need 200 or 250 plus sick days to get a discount on health insurance when we retire?

FLORIDA teachers - what's your pension/retirement system like?
We have a decent pension plan - 80 and out - in Missouri, but my family moved to FL last year & I'll probably head that way in 3 years after my son is out of HS.
Any insight so I can make some $ moves now or what I should anticipate/plan for when the tines to move comes?
Thanks.

Good am! Anyone else have less than optimal to put it nicely health insurance at their school? My deductible is 11,000 for my family and I’ve already used my best flex plan up and now I’m paying soooo much out of pocket….. this is so sad 😞. I can only go to in network doctors so just pick whoever ! Thanks for listening . Maybe someone can suggest alternatives?

There are a number of states that don’t tax my New York pension. I’m considering moving to South Carolina because everything I read about it seems great. I’ve shoveled enough steps and driveways during snow storms. I’m paying over $22,000.00 in taxes. It’s ridiculous. Any feedback or suggestions on South Carolina or other states and why? Much appreciated. 👍

Mandated COVID vaccines. What are your thoughts? Now that they have full FDA approval, why do you think so many are against it? Or why are you personally against it? Kids are required to have certain vaccines to attend school, many colleges require students to have vaccines too, and healthcare workers have been required to take certain vaccines for many years. Yet many people are reacting like vaccine requirements are a ‘new’ thing. I still haven’t gotten my 3rd jab, but would if required… 🤔

How much do you pay for benefits? I am thinking about moving districts but I am not sure what the hidden fees are for their benefits. Wish it was more transparent, I feel like other districts get paid way more but I was wondering if they syphon your money away with health insurance, dental etc.

TWO QUESTIONS:

1. Has anyone retired and NOT had to pick up a part time job, or go back to teaching because you can't make it on the retirement pension?

2. Has anyone taught 20 years or less, and then left to focus on your business? What are you using for medical insurance?

I am going on 51 and can't technically retire until July 2026. I am tapped out and don't see teaching until age 60. Retirement money won't be enough and my business is suffering bad but brings me a lot of joy!

In teachers in Utah here? I'm considering moving, but your salary schedule is different from mine. Do you feel like you're paid a fair wage for the cost of living? Do you have to pay for benefits? Are you responsible for recess duties?

I’m a retired teacher. I had family medical issues that prompted me to take an early retirement. I’m sad all the time because I miss teaching and the daily interactions with colleagues. The other issue is my income. With inflation out of control, I fear my pension isn’t enough for the long term. The good news is, the family medical issues may have positive outcome, at least for the next five years. I want to teach again, but I’m torn. Any advice?

Does anybody know of any remote teaching job or a similar that requires only a bachelors degree in almost anything and that pays salary with benefits besides FLVS (Florida Virtual school) Even if it has to do with customer service or teaching adults, anything along those lines. Thank you all in advance!

I’m having a hard time fitting in w/ my fellow teachers. I’ve been here almost 2 years & I feel like I’m “tolerated” rather than accepted. I came in as the same time as another teacher & they seem to have accepted her. I was out last year on maternity leave. Before I left I almost considered them friends but when I came back I felt like everything changed. They didn’t really help me & threw me to the wolves. I feel alone this year & sometimes dread going to work & getting the silent treatment.

I am the Director of Technology for a district in PA, and would like to know how my compensation compares to other districts.
I am salaried at $70,000 a year, and not considered to be part of administration. So I don’t have a contract and don’t receive the same benefits that teachers and admin staff receive. Is this common for this type of position?

Which states or districts have the best pay and benefits for teachers? Which ones accept all / most years of teaching experience when placing teachers on the pay scale?

Looking to move to a state that will not mandate school vaccines for my kids. I need more research before deciding to administer it to my little ones. I am not looking for advice on vaccines, just wondering where to move. Somewhere with great public schools so my kids can learn and so I can continue teaching. Would love a state that has great benefits and pay for teachers.

Health care workers wrote a letter to the Governor stating "without imminent action, Arizona will face the collapse of its healthcare system. "

Considering a move to Virginia (currently in CA). Specifically looking at Roanoke area and desire high school ELA or history. Info help! VA teachers—what can you share about sick days, unions, healthcare quality, salary, etc?

The teacher shortage is a national crisis (one that was foretold decades ago). In other industries, when there is an employee shortage for a specific field, the company would increase the salary and benefits for that position because of the law of supply and demand. Why doesn't this work for education? Shouldn't teachers be paid more because we are in short supply? Should certain subjects be paid more?

Vaccinated teachers: are any of you still wearing masks while teaching? Is it mandated or are you choosing to do so? Masks aren’t mandated in my school district, and even though I’m fully vaxxed, I’m weighing the costs and benefits of wearing a mask in class. Could use some thoughts and opinions.

How good are your districts at negotiating contracts on time? Ours expire every two years. At the end of the second year we always end up going into the next school year on an expired contract and work almost the entire school year on that expired contract. It’s not that we are asking for the moon, usually our raise is about the same as the rising price of healthcare, so it ends up being a wash. The workload only increases.The district also made us put in a “no strike” clause in our contract.

Do you ever call parents/guardians to report really great behavior or performances from their child, or just make calls home when there is an issue with students? Has anyone seen benefits in their classroom to incorporating more of the first?

I just got a position as a long-term substitute for a 3rd-grade class while their teacher is on maternity leave. What are the most important things for me to know & expect? I'm mostly little nervous about teaching math & definitely need to brush up on the standards for this grade level.

What are some tips for planning a small work party! We have a baby on the way in the department and would like to have a small celebration after school, probably in one of our classrooms, before she goes on maternity leave.