Retire Ready Tennessee

For Teachers

As a public-school educator in Tennessee, one of your most valuable benefits is your comprehensive retirement plan.

RetireReadyTN: Combined strengths for Tennessee teachers

RetireReadyTN is the state’s retirement program, combining the strengths of:

One of the nation's strongest defined benefit plans, provided by the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS)
A 401(k) plan through services provided by Empower Retirement
Retirement readiness education

As a public-school teacher in Tennessee, you have unique retirement plan options available to you.

Get to know your unique retirement plan

Your defined benefit plan

The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), provides lifetime retirement, survivor and disability benefits for teachers and their beneficiaries.

Recognized as one of the best managed defined benefit plans in the country, TCRS provides lifetime retirement, survivor and disability benefits for teachers and their beneficiaries. After a five-year vesting period, a teacher becomes eligible to receive a monthly benefit at retirement once the age or service requirement is met. The benefit is calculated by the teacher’s years of service and salary. The benefit provided by TCRS is a solid foundation for building a retirement future.

Learn more about the TCRS Login to TCRS Self-Service

Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) logo

A strong foundation. Peace of mind for your retirement future.

Your Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) is recognized as one of the top 5 strongest pension funds in the United States by Standard & Poor's (S&P).

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Your 401(k)

The 401(k) plan lets you take control of your retirement by investing in fund options of your choice.

You are immediately vested in the 401(k) and can decide how your money should be invested given your individual goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. The amount you receive from your 401(k) account in retirement is based on how much you save, plus any accumulated earnings from your investments.

View 401(k) plan highlights Enroll in the 401(k) plan Login to your 401(k) account

Be Aware of Marketing Contacts Referencing TCRS

People nearing retirement are attractive to marketing firms that get a fee for referrals to businesses offering retirement products. We have become aware of third-party organizations approaching members to offer retirement planning services. When contacting our members, these marketing firms often reference your future TCRS retirement benefits.

Retirement planning and counseling are services already offered at no charge to all members of the retirement plan. Members of RetireReadyTN, including TCRS and the State 401(k)/457(b) plans, can meet a RetireReadyTN Plan Advisor for assistance with retirement planning, counseling, or to discuss any other financial planning needs.

Protect yourself against companies that may be looking to profit for their services.

Meet with a Retirement Plan Advisor

Get to know your plan

Depending on your date of hire, you are enrolled in either the Hybrid Plan or the Legacy Plan.

Hybrid Plan (for teachers hired on or after July 1, 2014)

Full-time K-12 Public School Teachers hired on or after July 1, 2014 are members of the Hybrid Retirement Plan for State Employees and Teachers (“Hybrid Plan”) as a condition of employment.

Hybrid Plan for Teachers

New Employee Orientation Video

The RetireReadyTN New Employee Orientation video will provide new employees with a complete introduction to the Hybrid Retirement Plan for State and Higher Education Employees and K-12 Teachers hired on or after July 1, 2014.

In approximately 15 minutes, you will learn about the TCRS and 401(k) components of your retirement plan including employer and employee contributions, how retirement benefits are calculated, and ways to access account information and retirement readiness resources.

Legacy Plan (for teachers hired before July 1, 2014)

Full-time K-12 Public School Teachers hired prior to July 1, 2014 are members of the Legacy Plan for Teachers (“Legacy Plan”) as a condition of employment.

Legacy Plan for Teachers

Take charge of your retirement by enrolling in the 401(k) plan

Get started

Learn to incorporate financial literacy in your classroom

The Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission offers three financial education resources FREE to Tennessee educators (grades K-8):

One-day Training Summits in the nationally-recognized Financial Fitness for Life® curriculum developed by the Council for Economic Education
Quick access to the Vault-Understanding Money online interactive platform
In-Service Trainings provide schools and districts with the My Classroom Economy behavioral management program

Discover financial education resources for Teachers

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Planning for Retirement?

When the time comes to retire, we want you to be ready. Make the most of your retirement by taking steps to plan for it now. This checklist will help you navigate the process from start to finish.

Retirement Checklist

couple planning for retirement