Changes in retirement laws are causing many teachers to move-up their plans for leaving the classroom.
Possible changes to teachers' pensions are forcing many to decide to retire ahead of the 30 years in the classroom needed to get full benefits. If lawmakers approve a pension reform proposal, teachers will have to work for 35 years or until the age of 60 to get full benefits.
Ohio Education Association Vice President Bill Leibensperger says many teachers aren't willing to gamble with their future and are taking off now. Some with just a few years to go before reaching the current required 30 years for full benefits. For school districts it can help reduce the number of teachers being laid off as they deal with budget cuts.
Van Keating with the Ohio School Boards Association says the bright side is that it could help ease layoffs. Districts also have to pay out unused vacation or sick time, but Keating says that's already accounted for.
The pension changes would take effect in 2015 meaning it's likely we'll see more retiring teachers next year as well.
