This is a reminder that the date for classroom teachers to submit early written notification of their intent to retire in order to receive the $500 bonus authorized in SLWV §18A-2-2(g) is March 1, 2023.
Also be advised that a county board may consider the position of a classroom teacher who has provided written notice to retire as vacant and the board may immediately post the position as an opening to be filled at the conclusion of the school year. If another teacher is hired to fill the position prior to the start of the next school year, the retiring classroom teacher is disqualified from continuing his or her employment in that position after the conclusion of the current school year. This is important because it may mean that once a letter of intent to retire has been submitted there may not be an opportunity to change your mind.
Remember, that the term “classroom teacher” is defined in SLW §18A-1-1 as those professional educators who have a direct instructional or counseling relationship with pupils, spending the majority of their time in this capacity. This has been interpreted to mean teachers in elementary and secondary programs (PK-12), including speech language pathologists, remedial specialist, counselor and librarians.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 304-847-5638 x2208.