72 Educators Participate in Retirement Workshop

SCVTA's annual STRS (State Teachers Retirement System) workshop was presented at the local SCV Uniserv office on Monday, December 3. Seventy-two local educators attended this informational

meeting on a Monday evening to hear STRS consultant Dennis Thompson review the various options, timelines, and procedures involved for those members contemplating retirement. This annual meeting is always well attended. In addition to hearing the general overview presentation, members come with questions to ask about the STRS system and have a opportunity to get quick and accurate answers to those questions.

Mr. Thompson, a retired teacher and administrator who works out of the county Office of Education, is one of a cadre of consultants who meet individually with prospective retirees to update them on their status with STRS and provide information about the retirement options. Appointments with an STRS consultant may be arranged ahead of time by calling the LA county Office at 562-922-6414 or 562-922-6838. Appointments may be set up for personal consultations in the downtown, Downey, Reseda, or Antelope Valley offices. Thompson emphasized the importance of arranging for one of these one-on-one meetings if one is truly contemplating retirement soon. At age 55 or after, the importance of such a consultation is magnified because critical decisions may be made affecting one's potential retirement benefits.

This STRS workshop received very positive participant evaluations. It is one of a variety of such workshops offered by SCVTA through the years. This coming January 17 the Santa Clarita Valley Teachers intend to host a workshop pertaining to Teacher Rights and Responsibilities with a focus on Special Ed. issues. Members should look for a coming announcement at their work sites.