Perhaps you are considering retirement, either in the near future or as a mid-term aspirational goal? There are lots of details to that proposition, and planning can be technically and emotionally overwhelming.

Not to worry, ACSA has your back. When you start getting serious, the first analysis is with CalSTRS. This is one of the best pension funds in the nation, and it is a great benefit of choosing education as your profession. Having a “number” in mind, a monthly income that you find sufficient to live comfortably in retirement, helps with knowing the “when” to retire.

Shortly thereafter, you will want to think about a plan regarding what you will want to do with your time and energy. Many folks choose travel, while others continue to stay relevant and contribute through part-time support of schools and our profession. That is where ACSA comes in.

ACSA provides quality professional development and networking with fellow retirees and current administrators that help you on your way. ACSA’s state Retirement Committee works at the federal, state and local levels to advocate for legislation that protects and enhances your retirement benefits. ACSA strives to remain relevant to you in your retirement.

There are two ways you can retain your ACSA membership into retirement. You can pay a one-time fee of $700 and become an Emeritus Lifetime member, which includes free registration yearly for the ACSA Leadership Summit. The alternative is to join as a Regular Retired and pay a lower yearly retirement rate for as long as you wish. Regular Retired is currently at $125/year and is subject to change. This membership type does not include the Leadership Summit benefit, but does include most retirement benefits. It can be costlier in the long run, but less of a commitment as you initially develop your post-retirement plan.

We are excited to share that as of May 2023, there is another benefit that may represent the best of both worlds. If you have been paying full Regular Retired dues continuously for six years, your membership will automatically be converted to Emeritus Lifetime member beginning July 1, 2023. An estimated 400-plus ACSA retirees will enjoy this conversion of status and be able to access the free registration and cease to pay monthly deduction from their retirement check.

This came about through the suggestions of ACSA members and the work of the ACSA state Retirement Committee. It’s a significant change for ACSA retirees and one that makes ongoing ACSA involvement an easier decision for new retirees.

Retirement is complicated and you need a plan. Fortunately, continued ACSA membership is the easy part. Stay with us — you’ll be glad you did!