# data[].attributes.body
To pledge your school's participation in MONTH TWO of our Fix Tier 6 campaign:

Click the PLUS sign in the bottom right corner.

Write your school name, your borough, and feel free to add what Fixing Tier 6 means to you or your members.

# data[].attributes.body
As a pension consultant, I see how important it is to ensure our Tier 6 peers have the opportunity to retire at 55 without a penalty. Dignity and respect! That’s what it’s all about. Our Tier 6 siblings deserve NOTHING LESS!

# data[].attributes.body
Teacher shortages impact us all- schools, students, families alike! We need to incentivize people to enter and stay in this valuable profession. Teachers work hard, we deserve a dignified retirement.

# data[].attributes.body
I’m a pension consultant and I see the looks on young member’s faces when I tell them they have to work 40+ years to have a pension with no reduction. It’s not fair to them. We need to fix tier 6 so our members can retire at age 55 without crazy reductions.

# data[].attributes.body
PS/IS 384K

Teacher and Chapter Leader

I’ve been in this teacher game way too long, 38 years. But I ‘ve chosen to be here. I’m tier four and could have left 5 years ago. However, my younger colleagues and friends, who are tier six, Don’t have the option to get out at age 55. They should have the opportunity and the option to get out at a younger age . They should have the option to leave at 55 and not be penalized. They should not have to worry that they’re going to lose more than half of their pension if they do.

# data[].attributes.body
Pension reform is important for me because I think of my mom’s sacrifice. Due to different pension restrictions with her non-teaching career, she took it at 55 as opposed to 63 with a heavy penalty. She did this to help pay for my MSed. It’s because of that sacrifice I am where I am today, however- NO MOTHER SHOULD EVER BE IN THIS POSITION. So I’m here to say: make it 30/55!!

# data[].attributes.body
Everybody has a story. The tier 4 teacher who remembers all the battles, or the tier 6 teacher who looks to retirement like a far off future date. Now is the time to let them be known.

# data[].attributes.body
Everybody has a story. The tier 4 teacher who remembers all the battles, or the tier 6 teacher who looks to retirement like a far off future date. Now is the time to let them be known.

# data[].attributes.body
When I was hired in 1991, I was 21 years old and at the time I was told I would not be able to retire until I was 62. If I left at 55 I would be only getting 50% of my pension! It is only through all the battles that were fought for tier 4, that I would be able to retire at 55 if I wanted. Spoiler alert I’m 56 and still working, but that’s my choice not something I’m forced to do. And I tell people all the time if I had been a police officer, I would’ve retired on 40 and owned my second bar by now. So yes, I’m over 55 and still working but again I have the choice. Thanks to all the reforms on tier 4. Tier 6 educators , as well as everyone else in tier 6 across the state, needs to have that same option. Because the greatest commodity we have on this planet is time.

# data[].attributes.headline
P721Q is in!! Our Union brothers and sisters who have dedicated their lives to their students deserve to retire with their full pension w/no reduction! #fixtier6 Let’s make it Human on 2/6 #unionstrong 

# data[].attributes.subject
P721Q is in!! Our Union brothers and sisters who have dedicated their lives to their students deserve to retire with their full pension w/no reduction! #fixtier6 Let’s make it Human on 2/6 #unionstrong 

# data[].attributes.body
District 9 of the Bronx

Fixing Tier Six would mean that a majority of my members could earn a full pension, and enjoy their well-earned retirement after 30 years of public service.

# data[].attributes.body
Tier 4 members were helped by their predecessors to be able to retire at 55. I retired at 64 - my choice. I wrote and presented a resolution to the Retiree Chapter who overwhelmingly (94%) voted to help Fix Tier 6. We are with you for the long game!  Let’s do this!

# data[].attributes.body
I am teaching almost 30 years. Tier 4. I bought in the 25/55 program! My young colleagues should have the same right. It'll improve recruitment, retention, and morale! It's about fairness and equity in a profession like no other! Let's get this done ✔️ #fixtiersix

# data[].attributes.body
Tier 6 means im forced to work 38 years or my pension will be penalized. 38 YEARS! Public servants should never have to work that 25 years is a career!!!! Shame on NYS!!! How many of us are stuck with this reality, and they wonder why they cant find teachers to fill new class size vacancies!

Marissa

I.S. 7 Elias Bernstein

# data[].attributes.headline
Why I’ll Be Fighting to Fix Tier 6, in 2026 and Beyond:

# data[].attributes.subject
Why I’ll Be Fighting to Fix Tier 6, in 2026 and Beyond:

# data[].attributes.body
I was hired in 2011 (one year before Tier 6 was created). Which means I’m among the last fortunate members to benefit from the hard fought work year after year my colleagues did to chip away at Tier 4 to make it what it ultimately became. I’m extremely grateful for what they secured for me and my family. I also feel a responsibility to do what I can to help my brothers and sisters in Tier 6 win the same dignity and security. ¡Pa’lante siempre!

# data[].attributes.body
Being an educator is the hardest and most important job, especially now and especially in NYC. When you teach like your hair is on fire, upon retirement, you need serious recuperation. Fixing Tier 6 is one way we acknowledge the responsibility borne by educators.

# data[].attributes.body
Let’s do this !!!!

# data[].attributes.body
Ready to do what we can!

# data[].attributes.body
Ready to support this work!!!

As a Tier 4 member, I understand how important fighting for change was in enhancing Tier 4 retirement benefits.

Now it is time to do the same for Union members in Tier 6 and we are together tackling one of the biggest changes that need to be made...I will work alongside union siblings in Tier 6 to make sure we get the state on board to put changes into place. Tier 6 needs the dignity of a true profession, the security of a strong retirement after a career in the field...and a career should be marked at 30 years service, (as early as 55, not 63 years of age.)...And if there ever is a buyout, the career years should go even lower!

# data[].attributes.headline
FIX TIER 6! 79M984 - LYFE PROGRAM- Brooklyn

# data[].attributes.subject
FIX TIER 6! 79M984 - LYFE PROGRAM- Brooklyn

# data[].attributes.body
Hey yall! I’ve been with the city for 10 years (wowwww)

Starting at age 27. To have me work until 62 is absurd ! My husband is FDNY and began after me with the city. He’s been on for 8 years and will be done way before me! If tier 6 isn’t fixed, this will definitely negatively impact our marriage! I want to retire with my man! I have so much trust in Mandami to help us FIX TIER 6!!!!🙏🏾✊🏾💪🏾

# data[].attributes.body
Fixing Tier 6 means - Retention of younger teachers!

# data[].attributes.body
I've got 22 years experience, so am tier 4, but my colleagues who started just 8 years after me have to work longer. It's not right that someone who starts at 25 has to work until 62. Needs to work nearly 40 years for pension. There used to be a social contract with public sector employees, sure you're never going to be rich, but at least you would have steady livable salary, health care, and a good pension. Tier 6 erodes this so now my younger colleagues and friends can no longer rely on that social contract. Now I have a high school aged child interested in becoming an educator. With tier 6 the way it is how can I honestly tell him it is worth it if he has to give 38 years to the system?

# data[].attributes.body
I’m currently working at TMALS in Manhattan!! I started my teaching career at 22 years old. This is year 12 for me of teaching!! I love the kids and what I do. I love to teach it is a rewarding feeling like no other. Even on the challenging days, I always have that one kid who makes me smile. I just became a mom last year and that has been the greatest joy of my life. Changing tier 6 would mean that I will be able to spend more time with my child and enjoy her milestones and make memories earlier rather than later.

# data[].attributes.headline
Fix Tier 6!!! Who wants to work until 63!!! I have 25 years of service & I am scorched from the excessive deadline due dates of …… name them all from admin???? 🔥🔥🔥🤯🔥🔥🔥

# data[].attributes.subject
Fix Tier 6!!! Who wants to work until 63!!! I have 25 years of service & I am scorched from the excessive deadline due dates of …… name them all from admin???? 🔥🔥🔥🤯🔥🔥🔥

# data[].attributes.headline
Fix Tier 6 in ‘26 “Making it Human “ on February 6th 

# data[].attributes.subject
Fix Tier 6 in ‘26 “Making it Human “ on February 6th 

# data[].attributes.body
Debbie Fiallo 27Q100

As a UFT Pension Consultant, I see every day how Tier 6 has created unnecessary hardship for New York’s educators. Tier 6 members are required to work longer, contribute more of their pay for their entire careers, and receive less secure benefits than their Tier 4 colleagues—despite doing the same job. That imbalance hurts recruitment, retention, and the long-term stability of our profession.

Fixing Tier 6 is not just about fairness; it’s about protecting the future of public education in New York State. When educators feel financially secure, they stay in the classroom and continue serving our students and communities. Updating this law would bring Tier 6 closer to Tier 4 standards, restore equity, and ensure that teaching remains a sustainable career for the next generation

# data[].attributes.body
Chris Alena chapter leader Curtis High School and Fixing Tier 6 will provide our youngest members hope for a dignified retirement .

# data[].attributes.body
Fixing Tier 6 = fairer retirement, more take-home pay, and a stronger future for educators.

# data[].attributes.body
We continue to pledge to Fix Tier 6! This is something that is too important to not pledge our commitment to. We must stick together to Fix Tier 6!

# data[].attributes.body
Tier 4 member & Chapter Leader here…

I want Tier 6 members to hear this clearly: you are not asking for too much. You are asking for fairness.

You deserve the same dignity, security, and respect as every educator who came before you.

I may not be Tier 6, but I’m standing with you…..and I’m committed to fighting until Tier 6 is fixed!!!! 💙

# data[].attributes.body
East-West School of International Studies in Queens has many eligible retirees in the near future... please let us retire with dignity for our years of service. PLEASE fix Tier 6 with benefits that are prideful !!

# data[].attributes.body
We pledge to fix tier 6 because it will help retain new teachers and provide a sensible retirement age. Just as previous tiers fought for tier 4, I am humbled and appreciative of the support of other tier members to fix tier 6 and afford us the same opportunity as them.

# data[].attributes.body
It is important to ensure our teachers and other staff members in Tier 6 have access to the same benefits as Tier 4.

# data[].attributes.body
The Highbridge Green School

09x361

Fixing tier 6 ensures that we have a choice on how we spend the next chapter of our lives!

# data[].attributes.body
We have to ensure our students are receiving the best teachers who are respected and love their job! We need to fix Tier 6 to support these great educators!

# data[].attributes.body
Like a lot of my colleagues, I started teaching when I was 22. I’m 31 now, 9 years in. This is an amazing job, but 41 years of service is more than has ever been considered the length of a career. Between that and the required contributions, reforming Tier 6 ensures fairness for workers and helps to ensure that our city and state’s educators are always at the top of their game. We want tier 6 reform so we can live, work, and retire with dignity, in the city that we love.

Abby M, Chapter Leader, 24Q455

💪💙

# data[].attributes.body
Fixing Tier 6 to me grants equality for the next group of workforce in schools. We should be able to retire the same time as our predecessors, and be granted the same respect they were.

# data[].attributes.headline
PS 118Q is in for February 6th Make it Human.  Most of the teachers at my school are Tier 6 and they deserve to retire at 55!

# data[].attributes.subject
PS 118Q is in for February 6th Make it Human.  Most of the teachers at my school are Tier 6 and they deserve to retire at 55!

# data[].attributes.body
If we want strong schools, we must treat educators as professionals worth investing in-long term.

# data[].attributes.body
I started teaching at 22 years old, and while I'm proud of what I do, I can't imagine making it 43 years!

# data[].attributes.headline
Michelle Lowe-Calixte, IS 392K, Chapter Leader and D23 Paraprofessional District Coordinator

# data[].attributes.subject
Michelle Lowe-Calixte, IS 392K, Chapter Leader and D23 Paraprofessional District Coordinator

# data[].attributes.body
Joining the Fix Tier 6 campaign matters because it’s about standing up for fairness and dignity. Tier 6 asks hardworking public servants to give more while receiving less, often at the cost of their health, families, and future security. Fixing it isn’t about special treatment. It’s about honoring the promise that if you dedicate your life to service, your retirement won’t be a burden or a gamble. When we come together for Fix Tier 6, we’re saying that service should be respected, the system should be just, and the next generation deserves a future that values their sacrifice as much as their work.

# data[].attributes.body
We will be there!

# data[].attributes.body
Fix Tier 6 is necessary! Teachers are giving their all and not being given the compensation and respect they deserve. We should be allowed to retire at 55 without being penalized.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a teacher at 721Q and a change in Tier 6 will allow for more family time and enjoyment in the future. Hard work and dedication to serving the children of New York City is very fulfilling. Having time when my service is up will also come with its own fulfillment. Under our Chapter Leader Mara Baboff's guidance and work ethic to fight for our school community , A Change Will Come.

# data[].attributes.body
Jessica Sheahan - Chapter Leader

In order to attract and keep new teachers it is imperative that we fix tier 6. I can't imagine having to start a career as a new teacher knowing that I'd have to work 40+ years when everyone who came before me had the benefit of working a significantly less amount in order to receive a full pension. I am a tier 4 member and I believe we have to make things equitable for our newer younger colleagues. Our kids deserve to have teachers who are happy and energetic and who have not been drained from a ridiculously long career. Let's make this change happen!

# data[].attributes.body
I have 2 sons who are both beginning teachers. They deserve the same benefits that I receive and they shouldn’t have to work till age 63!

-Karen Marder

Hillcrest HS

UFT Delegate

# data[].attributes.body
25/55 for tier 6. Thanks.

# data[].attributes.body
Performing Arts & Tech HS Brooklyn: Tier 6 Means a Dignified Retirement for Every Educator

I support the UFT Fix Tier 6 campaign because Tier 6 must give teachers the same chance I have: to retire with dignity and a real quality of life. After 30 years of service I will be able to retire in two years at 55 — and that security matters. Teachers pour their blood, sweat, and tears into this profession for decades. We deserve to finish our careers knowing we can enjoy the rest of our lives.

Tier 6 needs to be fixed so every educator can access fair retirement options, predictable benefits, and the peace of mind to plan for the future. Give Tier 6 teachers the same opportunity to retire early and live well — because our work matters and so do our lives after the classroom.

# data[].attributes.body
As a Tier 4 member and chapter leader at PS 705K, I am committed to advocating for every Tier 6 member. Unity and equality are at the heart of what our union represents.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.alternative_text
Picture of people matching with posters saying UFT Fix Tier 6 NOW

# data[].attributes.body
I’m a Tier 4 American teacher with 30+ years of service. I’ve dedicated my life to our children and our country’s future. We are the #1 teachers in the world and deserve to be treated with respect.

While I am fortunate to be in Tier 4, I see the injustice faced by my colleagues in Tier 6. A system that tells them they can’t retire until they’re 63. This is a slap in the face to every teacher who has poured their heart into the classroom.

Teaching is a demanding career. All teachers deserve to retire with dignity, not be forced to work until they are exhausted. My Tier 6 colleagues deserve to retire at 55.

Fixing Tier 6 is a moral imperative. It’s about respecting the educators who build this nation. It’s time to let teachers retire at 55. Fix it now!

# data[].attributes.body
Last month we got a supermajority of the staff to pledge to fight, this month we're in to make it HUMAN!

# data[].attributes.body
Rockaway Park HS

Special Education Teacher

Fix Tier 6

# data[].attributes.body
Fix Tier 6!

# data[].attributes.body
Fix tier 6!!!!

# data[].attributes.body
I’ve been teaching since I was still in school myself. As an elementary special education teacher, I give everything I have (emotionally, physically, and mentally) to meet the needs of students who require constant, individualized support. Tier 6 ignores the reality of this work. Expecting educators to work longer for less, in one of the most demanding professions, is unsustainable and unjust. Fixing Tier 6 isn’t about special treatment, it’s about fairness, retention, and respecting educators who dedicate their lives to our most vulnerable students. We’ve earned the right to retire with dignity.

# data[].attributes.body
I am a career changer who began teaching at 38 years old. I want to be able to retire at a descent age, where I can still enjoy my retirement. With the current plan, I will have to work until I'm 68. I will not wait around that long for a pension. I will leave the career, like so many others will. If you don't fix Tier 6, there will be teacher shortage. It's going to be impossible to recruit new teachers with the current retirement plan.

# data[].attributes.body
Change is possible. Tier 6 is discouraging and is not taking into consideration that choice opens up many possibilities. We love what we do but we don’t have to die doing what we love. Let’s make this fight count. Let’s make our voices heard. We know that it’s worth it!!

# data[].attributes.body
Some may be privileged enough to have it in them to work until 63. Some will. Some may need to leave at 55. Currently we can't. We should have the choice. Use your voice to give us a choice. Fix tier six!

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone! Let support our Tier 6 members. They deserve it! It’s a big difference working another 8 extra years! Gertrudis

# data[].attributes.body
I don’t think that teachers should be held prisoner to their pension! To force an adult who has chosen to become a teacher and give endlessly of themselves until the age of 63, which by the way is extremely close to applying for social security is not fair or dignified. Our constituents and government officials involved in having the power to change this should stand up and make history for caring for our teachers who decided to dedicate their lives to service our students in New York City! Allowing our teachers the choice to retire at 55 is a sign of thoughtfulness and appreciation for their sacrifice as a city employee. Let us make this a win for YES and a way to tell our teachers thank you for choosing to serve our children and not the glory of the mighty dollar!!! In return hopefully we can claim a victory on this battle of numbers. Let our teachers have a choice to retire at 55 if they want, or continue on their journey of life long givers of love, respect, and dignity!

# data[].attributes.headline
Asking teachers to work until 63 is no longer feasible. Each year the demands increase and the behavior issues increase. Even if the retirement age is changed we still have to pay into our pensions forever. Not fair! No way to incentivize younger teachers from coming into this profession. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Asking teachers to work until 63 is no longer feasible. Each year the demands increase and the behavior issues increase. Even if the retirement age is changed we still have to pay into our pensions forever. Not fair! No way to incentivize younger teachers from coming into this profession. 

# data[].attributes.body
Retention of younger teachers is one aspect of this process. Fair retirement age is key to prevent burnout. What would be the retirement age for older teachers who joined in their 40’s?

# data[].attributes.body
Under Tier Six, teachers receive reduced retirement benefits compared to earlier tiers. For many teachers, this creates uncertainty about whether their retirement income will be enough after decades of service. #Fixtier6

# data[].attributes.body
I am a career changer who began working for the NYC Department of Education at 46 years of age. Like many educators who enter teaching later in life, I did so with the hope of building a stable career and eventually retiring at a reasonable age, while still being healthy enough to enjoy life, especially travel and time with family.

Under Tier 6, that goal becomes increasingly unrealistic. Based on the current rules, I will be required to work until approximately age 68 to avoid pension penalties. This effectively delays retirement beyond the point where many people can fully enjoy the benefits of a lifetime of work. A retirement that begins when health and energy are already declining is not a true reward for public service.

Reforming Tier 6 is not only about fairness for current educators, it is also about the future of the profession. Creating a more flexible and humane retirement structure, similar to Tier 4, would:

Allow experienced educators to retire with dignity

Open opportunities for younger educators to enter the system

Improve retention and morale

Create a pension system that works for educators at all stages of life

A retirement system should reward dedication, not penalize those who choose public service later in life. Fixing Tier 6 would strengthen the profession, support generational transition, and ensure that teaching remains a viable and attractive career for everyone.

# data[].attributes.body
As a newer school that only opened its doors in 2023, we are a community made up of many young teachers. Although we are a group of highly motivated professionals who pride ourselves on our commitment to education, we often discuss how unattainable retirement feels under the current stipulations of Tier VI. We put in countless hours planning, redesigning, and reflecting our instruction. Despite our love for education, it feels unsustainable to do for 40 years. These anxieties are discouraging. They bring up conversations about leaving the profession, to pursue better benefits. We need to make drastic changes, in order to keep teachers in the field!

# data[].attributes.body
I honestly feel like I will never be able to retire as I started my career later in life and I'm in my 9th year of teaching. I'm not sure how much longer I will last.

# data[].attributes.body
As chapter leader I am committed to sharing resources, information and leading the fight at the chapter level to Fix Tier Six. We've been active in the past and will continue to fight for all educators to get the same dignity in retirement that they deserve!

My hardworking colleagues should get the same benefits that I have gotten as a Tier Four member -- it's essential for retention and showing educators the respect they deserve.

# data[].attributes.body
Making the retirement age 55 is a MUST!

Teacher burn out is a real thing and having teachers work to the age of 63 for a full pension is not a realistic goal in our profession nor is it fair.

Fix Tier 6 to 55/30!

# data[].attributes.body
Making the retirement age 55 is a MUST!

Teacher burn out is a real thing and having teachers work to the age of 63 for a full pension is not a realistic goal in our profession nor is it fair.

Fix Tier 6 to 55/30!

# data[].attributes.body
This discourages new teachers from staying, worsens burnout, and deepens the staffing crisis in NYC schools. Fixing Tier 6 isn’t about special treatment it’s about fairness, equity, and retaining quality educators.

# data[].attributes.body
My wife and I are both tier 6 and are concerned that we won’t be able to maximize our retirement years. While we love what we do, we should be able to do our jobs well and then retire young enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers work very hard to help our children achieve their best potential and when they do it’s very rewarding. So I’m here for retirement at 55 because the teachers do go above & beyond

# data[].attributes.body
It’s the fair and just solution, and will help making this career a more viable choice for the next generation.

# data[].attributes.body
It’s the fair and just solution, and will help making this career a more viable choice for the next generation.

# data[].attributes.body
I would like for tier 6 to be fixed because as a paraprofessional who started late in my years and only 9 years in. I feel like retirement is further away and I feel like I won't be able to enjoy retirement at a good age.

# data[].attributes.body
Fix Tier 6 matters to me because it directly affects my future as an educator. I work just as hard as those in earlier tiers, but I am required to contribute more, work longer, and receive less in retirement. That feels discouraging and unfair.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe deeply in the value of our work and the people who do it. Teaching is a lifelong commitment, and our futures should reflect the care, energy, and years we give to our students and communities.

# data[].attributes.body
School name:ps/is30 in Brooklyn

Asking for having insurance after 10 years working especially if the person was subbing for many years befor 2012

# data[].attributes.body
I lost my mother at 50.

My father waited until 70 to retire, only to face Alzheimer’s shortly afterward.

Those experiences shape how I think about time.

Retiring with dignity at 55 isn’t about leaving work early — it’s about having a real opportunity to enjoy the life we spend decades building. We dedicate our healthiest years to public service. We deserve meaningful years afterward to live fully with our families and communities.

Police officers are granted that dignity.

Our work helps build safer, stronger communities long before emergencies happen.

25 years of service. Retirement at 55.

That’s not excessive — it’s humane.

55/25 for Tier 6.

This is about dignity.

This is about balance.

This is about recognizing that time is precious.

# data[].attributes.body
I remember the first time I saw my retirement year, I cried. I could not imagine working all these years. Now that I am at the end of my career, I feel deeply for Tier 6 members. Having to work until age 63 is just unfair. We need to fight to fix this so people in Tier 6 can retire at a healthy age where they are able to enjoy life.

# data[].attributes.body
We are ALL change agents!!

I'm a Tier 4 member but, I will continue the fight to change Tier 6 because I stand on the shoulders of ALL THOSE who fought for us to have 55/25.

# data[].attributes.body
Fixing Tier 6 would incentivize professionals to enter or stay in the profession. It will make teaching a viable career choice for the younger generation. A pension system should reward not penalize.

# data[].attributes.body
We are the kids who started hustles at 12 and 13. We did paper routes and mowed lawns until we got our working papers. We ran cash registers stocked shelves into and through college. We graduated into our jobs and never stopped. We started our careers in education with 6, 7, 8 years of work behind us already. We entered careers that became unpopular for being overworked and underpaid yet essential to the public interest. We work in a field that demands unpaid evenings and weekends just to keep up with the increasing expectations placed upon us. We have given and will continue to give everything we have. It is time for the system to give back. We will accept those 8 years. We want 8 years that we can spend with our children and grandchildren, traveling and following passions that don't need to become side hustles, and generally being rewarded for our sacrifices to our society. We will retire at 55.

# data[].attributes.body
I support this campaigned in solidarity with my fellow UFT members that are TIER SIX.

As a TIER Four member I remember how our union worked hard to Fix Tier 4. Now it is the turn to support Fixing Tier 6.

Everybody should be able to retire at age 55 after a 30 year career. It is fair and it is the right thing to do.

Let's show our union strength in Albany on March 8. Let's Fix Tier six!

# data[].attributes.body
PS89q- Fixing Tier 6 means fairness. It means having a retirement system that values educators’ work, supports long-term sustainability in the profession, and allows teachers to retire with dignity after dedicating decades to serving students and families.

# data[].attributes.body
Tier 6 retirement must be changed to Tier 4 because it places an unfair and unsustainable burden on today’s public employees while offering significantly fewer benefits for the same work. Tier 6 members contribute more of their salary for their entire careers, face a higher retirement age, and receive reduced pension benefits compared to Tier 4 members. This creates a two-tier system in which newer employees do the same jobs as their colleagues but retire later and with less financial security.

Moving Tier 6 to Tier 4 would help recruit and retain qualified professionals, especially teachers, first responders, and public servants who are increasingly leaving the profession due to burnout and financial strain. A fair and predictable retirement system strengthens morale, supports long-term workforce stability, and ensures that public service remains a viable career choice.

Aligning Tier 6 with Tier 4 is not about excess—it is about equity, respect for service, and protecting the future of essential public institutions by ensuring workers can retire with dignity after decades of contribution.

# data[].attributes.body
For me it’s about being treated the same as tier 4 professionals. Retiring at age 63 and paying into the system for your entire career is a lot!

-T Ruggiero

# data[].attributes.body
Tier 6 needs to be changed. Teachers in Tier 6 need the same benefits as those in Tier 4. This will help the DOE keep good teachers.

Tom Ragazzi

Academy of Medical Technology

# data[].attributes.body
Moving Tier 6 to Tier 4 would help recruit and retain qualified professionals, especially teachers, first responders, and public servants who are increasingly leaving the profession due to burnout and financial strain. A fair and predictable retirement system strengthens morale, supports long-term workforce stability, and ensures that public service remains a viable career choice.

Aligning Tier 6 with Tier 4 is not about excess—it is about equity, respect for service, and protecting the future of essential public institutions by ensuring workers can retire with dignity after decades of contribution.

# data[].attributes.body
As a Tier 4 member, I want my Tier 6 colleagues to have the same respect, dignity and choice that I have after serving the public for the last three decades. Education is more demanding than ever and the thought of having to work over four decades to retire without being penalized is daunting. We love education and our students, let's retain those Tier 6 educators and attract future educators by showing some respect and dignity so they can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Make it 55/30! DO THE RIGHT THING!

# data[].attributes.body
08x530

Fix tier 6 now

I am a young man with health problems. I want to enjoy a retirement after doing thirty years of my services. I want to enjoy a deserved retirement as healthy as possible and retiring at 55 seems more idealistic than 63 which I am not sure if I will be in this world at that age. Can I enjoy the retirement that I earned? Can I have a well deserved retirement after preparing many kids to graduate and go to the real worlds prepared with life skills?

# data[].attributes.body
For me this would mean having options which is more doable than just trying to get around the idea of staying until 63. This is a difficult profession, made more so by increased demands on our time by various minutia. I feel that many teachers like myself will simply struggle to stay in this profession until 63. I started at 24 so 63 is almost 40 years of service!! It’s unfair that we will not get the benefits we deserve after so many years given in service. I think a 55 option is more doable than 63. Also it’s not fair that tier 4 got a 25/55 option but we just get plain 63. We need this fixed in an expedient and equitable manner.

# data[].attributes.body
Fixing Tier 6 will mean attracting new talent into our profession, and giving teachers a reasonable timeline to look forward to instead of dreading burn out at an older age.

# data[].attributes.body
Teacher burn out is a real issue. Retirement age needs to be 55

# data[].attributes.body
I know way to many teachers that once retired and passed away months after retirement. We also need time to do things we want when we don't have the time while being employed full time. DOE can replace teachers, but in my household, we cannot. Make it 55.

# data[].attributes.body
As a retired tier 4 member I fully support my tier 6 colleagues and pledge to help get the same or better benefits for all!! See you in Albany March 8, 2026!!

Barbara Reill

Retired Chapter Leader

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We launched our “6” days campaign on Dec. 6. On the sixth of every month, schools will participate in coordinated actions to educate members about the need to fix Tier 6 of the pension system, build visibility and show collective strength.

# data[].attributes.body
I won’t have much left to live if I don’t retire until 63!

# data[].attributes.body
As a newly hired DOE teacher, I chose the fixed Tier 6 option because I want a clearer and more realistic long-term plan. Teaching is meaningful, but it’s also a demanding job, and I don’t see myself working all the way into very late age. Having a fixed retirement timeline gives me peace of mind and helps me stay motivated, knowing I can give my best during my career while still planning to retire a bit earlier and enjoy life after teaching.

# data[].attributes.body
Fixing Tier 6 would give me the ability to spend quality time with my family and take care of my aging parents. 8 years is a big difference, and time with our loved ones is something we can never get back!

# data[].attributes.body
I began teaching in my own classroom at 23 years old. I am now 31 and have been teaching for eight years. This year, both of my parents are turning 63. They’ve had careers that allowed them to slow down at this stage of life and be present with their family. While they are physically healthy, neither of them would be able to withstand the physical and emotional demands of teaching at their age without it affecting their quality of life.

Teaching is deeply rewarding, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding. I can only hope to be in as good health as my parents are when I turn 63, which is still 31 years away. Under Tier 6, that would mean working in a classroom for as many years as I have already been alive. By that time, my parents will be 94 years old, and I can only hope I would still be able to spend meaningful, present time with them.

Retiring at 55 isn’t about leaving early, it’s about leaving well. Being able to retire at 55 without a reduction would allow me to continue giving my best to my students while I’m working, and still have quality years afterward to enjoy my life and be present for my family. Doing the same job as Tier 4 members but being forced to work eight additional years simply feels unfair.