Welcome to retirement

Mike Grosso

or the first time in nearly four decades, Mike Grosso’s end-of-summer routine does not include preparing for back to school. Grosso joined the ranks of newly minted retired teachers as of July 1.

“This is the first September I don’t have to prepare to go back. I feel great,” Grosso said. “You don’t realize how much the job demands until you’re unburdened by it.”

Grosso taught for 38 years, the last 29 in the

Grand Island Central School District. He held several leadership positions in the local and finished his term as Grand Island Teachers Association president on Aug. 31.

He encourages all educators preparing for retirement to know their contracts and to educate themselves on their retirement health insurance. “You can’t wait until you are 55 or just about to retire to figure it out,” he cautioned.

Grosso is prepared for this next phase, in part, because of the great work of retirees who came before him, including Grand Island TA retiree rep Nancy Keller.

“She comes to our monthly rep assembly meetings and is constantly updating the union and members about issues important to retirees. I couldn’t imagine navigating this without her,” Grosso said. One of Keller’s tips: Stay active in your NYSUT retiree council.

Grosso has already attended a few Retiree Council 1 meetings and has joined the Western New York retiree coalition.

“I want to be part of the great work that NYSUT does. When I got involved in my local, I saw how much the leaders cared about schools, kids and each other,” Grosso said. “I want to continue to be around those people and engage in the work helping educators across New York state.”

NYSUT retirees have access to many important retirement-related activities, benefits and opportunities. As a NYSUT retiree, you will be a part of a retiree council that mirrors your former election district, so ED 5 becomes RC 5. Some locals also have retiree chapters that give even more opportunities to stay engaged. All new retirees are encouraged to enroll with their chapter and learn about their membership rules. Check out nysut.org/retirees for more info.

“I’m very excited about retirement,” Grosso added. “I had a great career; I’m grateful to have a pension. NYSUT deserves a lot of credit.”

How Will You Celebrate?