On Sunday, the Louisiana Senate passed a measure that would enable retired teachers of math, science, and other subjects to return to the classroom without having their benefits cut off. The Senate voted 35-0 to accept the minimal amendments made by the House and forward the measure to Gov. John Bel Edwards.
At the moment, retired teachers who return to the classroom may only receive up to 25 percent of their last average yearly salary. According to Senate Bill 434, returning teachers who fill a “critical” shortage in public schools would be permitted to return to work without being subject to dismissal or suspension. Teachers of English, mathematics, science, and special education are included in this category. In order to qualify as retired teachers, candidates must be at least 62 years old, have been retired for a minimum of one year, and have retired prior to July 1, 2020.
Sen. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, is putting out a bill to solve Louisiana’s teacher shortage, and it’s up for a vote in the last minutes of the legislative session. Alternatively, some would apply to all teachers, but only pay them 50% of their retirement benefits in salary. The almost three-month term closes at 6 p.m. on Monday.
