Representatives from the California Retired Teachers Association presented a symbolic check to the board at its November meeting, showing the positive effect retired members have on their communities.

By totaling their reported volunteer hours, CalRTA estimates the monetary benefit to communities at more than $42 million.

CalRTA President Mark Allen, Government Relations Committee Chair Dr. Kathy Kinley and Legislative Advocate Jennifer Baker presented a check to the board for $42,443,233, symbolizing the value of a year’s worth of volunteer hours spent by retired educators.

Reliable pension payments from CalSTRS allow retired teachers to invest their time into the state and their local communities.

That is one of the reasons CalSTRS works hard to secure the financial future and sustain the trust of California's public-school educators and their beneficiaries. Retired educators continue to enrich and improve the world around them.

Retired teachers should check with CalSTRS before volunteering or returning to work at a CalSTRS-covered school to ensure it does not impact their monthly retirement benefit.