Thousands of teachers across New York are participating in a statewide campaign demanding pension reform for educators hired after 2012, holding monthly actions leading up to a major rally planned for March in Albany.
Under current state law, educators hired before 2012 can retire with full benefits at age 55 after 30 years of service. Those hired after 2012 fall under Tier 6 and must wait until age 63 to retire with the same benefits.
“We deserve to have a little dignity and respect”
Kristin DeFendis, a sixth-grade teacher at Middle School 51 with nine years of experience, is among those advocating for changes to what is known as Tier 6, a pension classification for municipal employees hired after 2012.
“It’s a very taxing and tolling job. We do love it. I love what I do, but at the same time we deserve to have a little dignity and respect in terms of collecting our pensions,” said DeFendis…