Any retired teachers on this board?

I retired after teaching 30 years at the age of 57. I had wanted to teach 5 more years so that my system would pay 90% of my health care. But I was not able to make it. My health was suffering. As it is, the system I worked for pays for 75% of my health care. Certainly I can not complain about that. Along with a generous retirement plan, it was the right thing to do. Over two days, I was teaching about 300 kids. My last year of teaching I had one class with 39 in it. One student attacked another student in that class. After that, I just could not teach them. My doctor told me I was done. My blood pressure was up and I had dizzy spells. Left work on a Friday, went to doctor and never went back. It's taken me over two years to "get over it". I think I blamed myself for the longest time. (You know, teachers can blame themselves very easily. I think many administrators and systems set them up for it.) I have found plenty to do. For the first time, I am taking care of me! I had bariatric surgery a few months ago and am working on increasing my exercise. I've lost 40 pounds so far. Went to the doctor today and they are pleased. Also, I sell on ebay. I've been thinking of signing up for substituting. But I don't know if I want to put myself through that. I think I have some post traumatic stress where teaching is concerned. I think only you can answer for yourself if it is the right time. I had given so much for so long and my "tank" my empty. I'd love to talk more if you need to.

I retired at the end of the last school year, and turned 57 a few days later. I retired a year early because after being out of the classroom for 25 years, I was put back in as a classroom teacher (I had been a guidance counselor) and a totally inexperienced guidance counselor was put in. (I was collateral damage in an ugly war between political factions in my district....long story, but besides me there were four other teachers at the high school who retired, and at least five who left for positions in other districts.)

If I were still in the guidance office, I would've stayed another year, but morale was getting to the point that I would've still gone out earlier than I used to think. So many things are changing and it seems like there are just more and more demands being heaped onto schools. I think I will probably look for a part time job next year, though....just to stay active and make a little extra money....but not in public education. Maybe at the college level or outside education altogether.

I retired 12 years ago. I always said I would not do like so many teachers who brought their body to school and left their heart at home the last years they taught. After 30 years, with 1 1/2 years of sick days to add on to my years, I just decided it was time. I worked hard until the very end and even went back for another year and a half to substitute at my school. I loved it and thought I would be lost without it, but I LOVE being retired! Every day is so full, and time goes so fast. - Or maybe I'm getting older and it takes me longer to get things don. It took me a long time to stop watching or reading every news article about the schools, but I have now let it go. I still have "school" dreams when stressed: bad observation, report cards due and no grade recorded, etc., but they are becoming fewer.

I am 57 and will start my 37th year of teaching on Monday. I am eligible to retire, and could have a few years ago (I also have more than two years of accrued sick leave).
I have NOT retired because I honestly don't feel ready yet.

Yes, I'm tired of the politics and burdened by the stresses that hit all teachers and I think each year becomes busier with more new things to do. But I just don't feel like I want to be done yet. I'm still interested in lots going on, still like the kids and what I do (Reading Specialist) and I have taken on new roles that I enjoy (Literacy Coaching, Mentor Program Coordinator) and those have changed things up in good ways.

I also don't feel ready to retire financially, and we'd like to have a few more things in place before I retire. I'm also in Illinois and waiting to see how the court challenge to the pension system changes will play out.

I retired in my early 50's. I'd remarried and moved to a different state, and I didn't start teaching again after the move. I kept thinking I would, but I didn't, and after a while I realized that no decision was a decision. I'd lost my love for it, and toward the last days of teaching I'd had to bite my tongue to keep myself from telling parents and administrators exactly what I thought of them. I had always had so much patience, so much excitement for teaching new things. But towards the end it had become just a job. I still work, but not as a teacher.

I am from the same state as freecharlie. I was hired in '87 and to retire you needed a 75. (That means years of service and age). I reached that at 47, but cannot collect retirement until I turn 50, next May. Perfect timing. I will stay one year after that to "trip." That is collecting retirement and your regular pay with no district benefits. It is a win win. They get rid of expensive teachers that way. I started teaching when I was 22, but was able to "buy" four years from Social Security. When I retire at 51 I will collect 80% of my pay. Not sure what to do after that though. I still loooove teaching and can't imagine doing anything else, but I will not miss such early mornings and late evenings grading.

I am not retired but seriously can't wait to! Police and fire fighters here are allowed to retire at 20 yrs and I seriously think teachers should too. Obviously it isn't a physical job as the others but when teachers lose the spark it's really time to go. I don't think I have lost the love of teaching as I still work as hard as ever to help my students reach their potential. However I am tired of the ridiculous demands the government is placing on us. I just completed my 20th year some of them were part time to raise my family so retirement won't be in the next 10 years but I hope soon after.