In October, Gov. Whitmer signed House Bill 4752 (now Public Act 147 of 2023) into law, allowing retired teachers to return to classrooms sooner without forfeiting their pension.
HB 4752 was introduced by Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth). The Bill shortens the waiting period for a retiree with a bona fide retirement to work at a school from nine months to six months. It also allows them to work during the waiting period if they earn less than $15,100 in a calendar year. Once six months have passed since the member’s retirement date, retirees are no longer subject to the calendar year earnings cap.
The bill was granted immediate effect, so these new rules are effective immediately. MEA supported the legislation, but it’s worth noting that retirees returning to work is a temporary and limited solution to the educator shortage – continued efforts to recruit and retain educators are still essential, especially improvements in pay and respect for the profession.
The changes would be in effect for five years, allowing school leaders to grow their workforce development programs to produce more educators and ease the teacher shortage.
According to Rep. Koleszar, chair of the House Education Committee, “The retiree bill is ‘another way where we can attack this shortage.’”
According to Eric Edoff, superintendent of L’Anse Creuse Public Schools, “This is a temporary solution to a problem we wish we didn’t have but believe it’s necessary in the times now so we can staff our classrooms with the best professionals, the most highly trained professional that we can.”
OPTIMISE is a new program launched in 2022 to attract, prepare, and retain qualified personnel for children with disabilities. It was initiated by the Michigan State Legislature and aligned with Section 94d of the State School Aid Act of 1979.
OPTIMISE.education is a hub for special education teachers and support professionals, including paraeducators, school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, social workers, deaf educators, occupational therapists, and orientational mobility specialists. The site includes career path guidance, resources, and funding options.
Laurie VanderPloeg and Kathy Fortino lead OPTIMISE. They have worked with professional organizations, associations, institutes of higher education, multiple legislative offices, and the Governor’s office to network, collect and review data, and identify strengths, barriers, and opportunities that resulted in recommendations on how to effectively attract, prepare and retain a qualified and diverse workforce pipeline in Michigan.
Partners’ voices and differing perspectives from rural, urban, and suburban areas have been critical to a collective voice and helping us build momentum.
We welcome you to the team table to help collect and disseminate information and, most importantly, elevate the special education profession.
Learn more: OPTIMISE.education
Source: Chalkbeat Detroit, MEA.org, BridgeMichigan.com
Explore Special Education Careers
