Overview of TRS

The Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma was created by an act of the Oklahoma Legislature in 1943 after citizens amended the state constitution allowing the creation of a public retirement program for educators. TRS began operations on July 1, 1943, and began paying retirement checks to the first retirees on January 1, 1947. Membership in TRS is available to all public school employees working half-time or more. Teachers and administrators are required to be members and support staff may join voluntarily. Employees of more than 600 local school districts, career technology schools, public colleges and universities are enrolled as members of the TRS. As of June 30, 2005, TRS had 138,245 members (84,286 active contributing, 13,080 inactive and 40,879 retired members).

The mission of TRS is to provide retirement benefits to Oklahoma's educators. The Board of Trustees and TRS staff oversee its administration to ensure adequate funds are maintained to meet the financial obligations of the entire membership. In directing the investments of TRS funds, the Board seeks to maximize gains, minimize losses and protect the Trust. The staff stands ready to assist TRS members in any matter pertaining to accruing benefits, and planning for and enjoying a well-earned retirement.