'Retired To Hired' Program Working To Bring Teachers Back To Tulsa Classrooms

Tulsa Public Schools is working to reintegrate retired teachers back into the classroom as part of the district's "Retired to Hired" program.

The new program allows some retired educators to return to the classroom while still receiving their full retirement benefits.

Senate Bill 267 allows teachers who retired before July 1, 2020, to return to teaching without giving up their benefits, in addition to earning their new salary.

If teachers return to the classroom, all their years of service will be recognized, and those who retired less than three years ago can also return but with some restrictions on their pay.

Jen Sanders, the director of recruitment at Tulsa Public Schools, said there is still a nationwide teacher shortage, and many schools are relying on retired teachers for assistance.

“We really want to get some experienced teachers back in the classroom," Sanders said. "That’s one of the reasons why we’re leaning on these folks that’s retired that have maybe taught they’re whole career to come back and help TPS find very experienced educators.”

Sanders said since the bill passed, many teachers have returned to the head of the class.

TPS said anyone who has been retired for less than a year is not eligible.