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Bill would let retired Montana teachers return briefly to mentor new hires without losing retirement benefits
Summary
House Bill 359 would allow retired teachers to be reemployed as mentors during a short break-in-service period without jeopardizing their Teacher Retirement System benefits; advocates said it could help recruit and retain new teachers.
Representative Jamie Isaly introduced House Bill 359 to the House State Administration Committee, saying the bill would let retired teachers return for mentoring or induction roles without forfeiting TRS benefits under most circumstances.
Isaly, sponsor and representative for House District 58, said the change "opens the door for retired teachers to perhaps get paid to help newly hired teachers that are taking over in their past teaching role without jeopardizing their retirement distribution." He described the policy as intended to support new educators at the start of the school year.
Kim Popham, director of public policy and research for the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE), testified in support, saying districts are required to have mentoring and induction programs for accreditation and that the bill would help districts recruit and hire teachers to develop those programs.
Rahab Watson, representing the Coalition of Advocates for Montana's Public Schools, told the committee the bill "is a good step in ensuring that new educators receive guidance and support necessary to succeed" and said the change is fiscally responsible and would not harm the long-term integrity of the Teacher Retirement System.
Sean Graham, executive director of the Montana Teachers Retirement System, appeared as an informational witness and advised the committee about the break-in-service requirement. Graham said a bona fide separation is necessary for an IRS-qualified defined-benefit plan and that a 120-day break generally meets that requirement for teaching. He also said the fiscal note shows the system does not expect additional contributions or a system-level cost because the bill does not change the total annual earning limits.
Committee members asked how mentoring pay is handled. Watson said pay and program design vary by district, often range from modest stipends to volunteer support, and that mentoring can include observations, after-school meetings, and in-class coaching throughout a school year.
Isaly closed by describing examples from his teaching career about how retired educators can help new teachers navigate complex budgets, vendor relationships and specialized facilities. The committee did not take an immediate vote on HB 359 during the hearing.
