Who We Are

Established in 1921 by the New York State Legislature, the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) provides retirement, disability and death benefits to eligible New York State public school teachers and administrators. The System is among the 10-largest public pension funds in the nation based on total assets.

Our Mission: To provide our members with a secure pension.
Our Vision: To be the model for pension fund excellence and exceptional customer service.
Our Values: Respect, Excellence, Diversity, Balance, Integrity, Resourcefulness, Diligence

NYSTRS is one of the most secure and well-funded public pension plans in the country. Learn more about the System's investments, finances and member statistics on the NYSTRS by the Numbers and infographics pages and in our annual financial reports.

Our Members

We serve more than 268,000 active members and nearly 181,000 retirees and beneficiaries. As of June 30, 2023, NYSTRS paid approximately $8.2 billion in annual benefit payments, over 80% of which was distributed to New York residents.

Membership in NYSTRS is mandatory for all full-time teachers, teaching assistants, guidance counselors and administrators employed in New York State public schools (excluding New York City), Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and eligible charter schools that opted to participate as an employer in NYSTRS.

Membership for teachers employed less than full time is optional. Employers are required to notify part-time teachers in writing of their right to membership in the System.

Teachers employed by a New York State community college or SUNY (excluding graduate assistants or teaching assistants) may elect membership in NYSTRS or the Optional Retirement Program.