New York State Teachers' Retirement System

The system, which was established by the state in 1921, serves public school educators in the Empire State, excluding New York City. Employees of New York State community colleges, boards of cooperative educational services, The State University of New York system, and some charter school employees have the option of participating, as well. The New York State Teachers' Retirement System, known as NYSTRS for short, provides retirement, death, and disability benefits to more than 280,000 public school teachers and administrators, as well as to some 140,000 retirees and beneficiaries. Eligible retirees are guaranteed monthly benefits payments for life.