Retired teachers can return to classroom in some areas

Lori Higgins | Detroit Free Press

Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation that will give retired teachers more flexibility to return to the classroom without risking their retirement benefits or health care.

The legislation, which will only be in effect until July 1, 2018, only affects subjects in which there are critical shortages of teachers.

“Retired educators are a valuable resource,” Snyder said in a news release. “Having them back in the classroom will assist schools in filling critical shortage areas where their knowledge will greatly benefit today’s students.”

What those shortage areas are is unclear now. The legislation requires the state superintendent by April 1 of each year to develop a list of areas in which districts are having difficulty finding teachers. During hearings on the bill, school leaders identified career-technical education and special education. Schools are also struggling to hire substitute teachers.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Holly Hughes, R-White Lake Township.

The new legislation will allow those retired for at least a year to be hired to teach for up to three years in shortage areas. It would also allow retirees to come back to work as substitute teachers, instructional coaches and school improvement facilitators. It wouldn't hurt their retirement benefits, but retired teachers also wouldn't be able to use the time or money earned to recalculate their retirement benefits.

There is nothing in state law that prohibits a retired teacher from returning to the classroom. But the state's Public School Employees Retirement Act currently limits how much a retiree who returns can earn. If retirees earn more than they're allowed, they could forfeit their benefits until after they stop working.

Contact Lori Higgins: 313-222-6651, lhiggins@freepress.com or @LoriAHiggins