Teachers Retirement System of Georgia

The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRSGA) was established in 1943 by an act of the State Legislature to provide retirement security to those citizens of Georgia who choose to dedicate their lives to educating the children of Georgia. It is the largest public retirement system in Georgia. At June 30, 2002, its membership included 201,278 active teachers, 40,542 terminated teachers entitled to future benefits, and 54,222 retirees and beneficiaries.

All employees who are employed one-half time or more in covered positions of the state's public school systems, regional libraries, county libraries, and regional educational service agencies are required to be members of TRSGA as a condition of employment. Likewise employees in covered positions of the University System of Georgia are required to be members of TRSGA unless eligible for participation in an optional retirement plan administered by the University System's Board of Regents. Covered positions include teachers, administrators, supervisors, clerks, teacher aides, secretaries, paraprofessionals, public school nurses and employees of the Agricultural Extension Service.

TRSGA is a governmental defined benefit plan. The retirement benefits are determined by a formula, which takes into account length of service and highest two consecutive years of salary. Upon becoming eligible and upon termination of employment, a member may retire and commence receiving a lifetime monthly benefit from TRSGA.