North Gwinnett News

A bill approved by Georgia senators recently will allow retired teachers to return to the classroom while still collecting a state pension.

House Bill 385 approved 50-1 by senators March 22, states teachers with at least 30 years of service would be able to return to the classroom after at least 12 months of retirement while earning both a full salary and their pension, according to a report by FOX 5 Atlanta.

"This bill benefits the retired teacher, our students, the retirement system, and rural Georgia," Sen. Russ Goodman, a Cogdell Republican, told FOX 5 Atlanta. "This helps school systems fill vacant teaching positions in high need areas with qualified and experienced teachers."

Under the measure, FOX 5 reports districts would be able to hire retired teachers in three “top need” areas designated by the state Department of Education in regions across Georgia.

Goodman told FOX 5 there are currently 4,000 positions filled statewide by teachers teaching outside their designated field, long-term substitutes or someone finishing their degree. By bringing retired teachers back to the classroom, districts would pay the Teachers Retirement System the normal employer contribution of 19.98% of an employee's salary as well as the 6% contribution that a teacher usually makes, the report stated.

If implemented, the bill would be in effect for four years beginning July 1 with a state auditor-issued report in 2025 outlining its effectiveness, FOX 5 reported.