Who’s eligible for TRS membership?

If I teach full time, do I have to join the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System?

Yes. If you’re employed full-time as a teacher, teaching assistant, guidance counselor, or any other title covered by NYSTRS, in a New York state public school district, BOCES or a NYSTRS-participating charter school, you must join NYSTRS. The only exception is individuals employed in New York City public schools. Those members belong to the Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York.

If you’re employed by a New York state community college or a SUNY, you have the option of joining the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, the Optional Retirement Plan, or NYSTRS.

If I teach part time, or I’m a substitute teacher, am I eligible to join NYSTRS?

If you’re employed less than full time in a NYSTRS-eligible position, you’re welcome to join. If you want to sign up, let your employer know and submit an Application for Membership (NET-2) to them. Your employer must deduct NYSTRS contributions from your pay as required by law.